The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticized the government for what he perceives as insensitivity towards the ordinary Ghanaian over its intention to implement a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on any building purchased.

Dr. Forson argued that the 2024 budget, which includes these proposed VAT policies, has further burdened citizens who are already dealing with a heavy tax load. He emphasized that these VAT proposals are currently awaiting approval in Parliament.

The Minority Leader, who also represents the Ajumako Enyan Esiam constituency, made these remarks during the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) Moment of Truth press conference on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

“He [Akufo-Addo] has also imposed a 5% VAT flat rate on residential and commercial real estate. Ladies and gentlemen, Ghanaians should get ready to pay 5% VAT anytime they buy a house from an individual or a real estate company going forward.

“If this law goes through; the VAT before parliament goes through - if you intend to buy a house, get ready to put 5% aside for President Akufo Addo and Alhaji Bawumia. For every house you buy going forward, you will pay 5% VAT on the quantum of the amount that you are supposed to buy. So if it is GH₵1 million you are buying you will pay GH₵50,000 to President Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia," he said.

The Minority Leader further disclosed that Value Added Tax (VAT) is set to be imposed on various stationery items, including paper, pens, textbooks, and domestic airline services, among others.

This implies that individuals purchasing books or utilizing domestic flights would incur additional charges due to the proposed VAT on such items and services.