The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has explained why he plans to eliminate "nuisance taxes" only if elected president, rather than during his current vice presidential term.

In a recent media engagement, he clarified that attempting to remove these taxes while serving as vice president would be ineffective, as he lacks the authority to implement such changes.

He added that presenting and pursuing every idea now would deplete his agenda for his potential presidency."I must have a manifesto, otherwise if I do everything now if I could what would I do when I come into office. How can you do everything now. Even Mahama who was president, I am only vice president but he was president why he didn't he do everything then. Why is he coming back? He had full authority, I don't have full authority.

"The budget that has gone to parliament which has been passed is not my budget. The goes in the name of the president and not the vice president but when you think what new you need to do you go with new ideas and I have come with new ideas which I want to do when we come into office. Everyone who is running for office whether you're Kamala Harris or Bawumia, you still have to think about what you want to do when you get into office and this is why I am presenting my new ideas,"he added.

Speaking at the NPP’s manifesto launch in Takoradi on Sunday, August 18, Bawumia detailed his administration’s vision for sweeping tax reforms designed to alleviate the financial burden on Ghanaians.

This plan includes offering a tax amnesty for overdue taxes and providing waivers on interest and penalties for unfiled returns.

Additionally, he outlined strategies to establish Ghana as a global leader in the digital space.

His approach involves implementing forward-thinking policies, offering competitive incentives, and making strategic investments to elevate the nation into a premier digital economy.

“We will fast-track Ghana’s transformation into Africa’s digital hub through strategic policies, incentives, and investments. This includes investing in local talent and tech start-ups while abolishing the E-Levy.

“We’ll implement broad tax reforms, offering a one-time tax amnesty to all Ghanaians and corporate entities, wiping the slate clean from previous tax obligations. This will give everyone a fresh start in their tax journey.

“We will reform the Value Added Tax system by consolidating all levies into a single line item, which will be treated as part of input and output VAT, eliminating the cascading effect of the current regime.

"We’ll also reduce Withholding Tax for small-scale gold exports to 1% to curb smuggling, and abolish the Betting Tax,” Dr. Bawumia promised.

🚨ICYMI🇬🇭👊🏾🗣️: Vice President Dr. @MBawumia was asked why he has vowed to scrap “nuisance” taxes in his manifesto when he becomes president but failing to do so now as VP.His response: #BawumiaHostsTheMedia pic.twitter.com/XXdeOOzs7m— Ölele | DTS👨🏾‍🍳🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) August 25, 2024