Cassiel Ato Forson, Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, has described the new measures announced by Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta as cosmetic and empty.
He stated that the government would rather impose a moratorium on new loans and reduce foreign-financed projects by at least 50% by 2022.
Mr. Ato Forson, a former Deputy Minister of Finance, said in a tweet in response to Mr. Ofori-new Atta’s fiscal measures announced on Thursday, March 24, “The fiscal measures announced today are just cosmetic and empty.” It will erode economic confidence even further. The government should: 1. impose a moratorium on new loans; and 2. 2. Reduce foreign-funded projects by at least 50% by 2022! 3. Keep your promise to review all flagship programs!”
Mr Ofori-Atta announced that with immediate effect, the Government has imposed a complete moratorium on the purchase of imported vehicles for the rest of the year.
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He said this will affect all new orders, especially 4-wheel drives.
“With immediate effect, Government has imposed a complete moratorium on the purchase of imported vehicles for the rest of the year. This will affect all new orders, especially 4-wheel drives. We will ensure that the overall effect is to reduce total vehicle purchases by the public sector by at least 50 percent for the period,” he said.
“Again, with immediate effect Government has imposed a moratorium on all foreign travels, except pre-approved critical/statutory travels; Government will conclude on-going measures to eliminate “ghost” workers from the Government payroll by end December 2022;
“Discretionary spending is to be further cut by an additional 10%. The Ministry of Finance is currently meeting with MDAs to review their spending plans for the rest of the three (3) quarters to achieve the discretionary expenditure cuts; ii. these times call for very efficient use of energy resources.
“In line with this, there will be a 50% cut in fuel coupon allocations for all political appointees and Heads of government institutions, including SOEs, effective 1st April 2022,” he added.
