Ghana's Deputy Minister for Finance, Dr. John Kumah, has disputed claims made by the Speaker of Parliament that the government may not be able to pay salaries from next three months. The Speaker had expressed concerns about the country's financial situation, citing rising costs of living and labour agitations for better conditions of service. Dr. Kumah's comments come as the government faces challenges in implementing the Electronic Transaction Levy.
The Speaker of Parliament had made the disclosure last week, attributing it to his sources, and called on Members of Parliament to show leadership in addressing the country's financial challenges. He noted that if something is not done within the next three months, the government may struggle to honor its salary obligations. This warning was made amid rising concerns about the cost of living and labour agitations.
Dr. John Kumah, in an interview with RC News, emphasized that it is not true that the government cannot pay salaries. He pointed to the government's track record of paying public workers on time, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In January this year, workers were paid on time, and Dr. Kumah expressed hope that February salaries would also be paid on time.
The government's financial challenges are partly attributed to the controversy surrounding the Electronic Transaction Levy, which it has touted as a major remedy to the country's financial woes. The levy has faced opposition from various stakeholders, including labour unions and some Members of Parliament. Despite these challenges, Dr. Kumah remains optimistic about the government's ability to manage its finances.
Dr. Kumah's comments are seen as an attempt to reassure public workers and calm concerns about the government's financial situation. His assertion that the government can pay salaries on time is likely to be welcomed by labour unions and public workers, who have been expressing concerns about their conditions of service.
The Deputy Finance Minister's optimism about the government's financial situation comes as President Akufo-Addo has also expressed confidence that passing the E-levy will be in the public interest. The President's comments suggest that the government is committed to implementing measures to address the country's financial challenges.
The controversy surrounding the government's financial situation and the Electronic Transaction Levy is likely to continue, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issue. However, Dr. Kumah's comments have provided some reassurance about the government's ability to pay salaries on time.
Key points
- Deputy Finance Minister disputes claims of impending salary payments crisis.
- Government faces financial challenges amid controversy over Electronic Transaction Levy.
- Dr. John Kumah expresses optimism about government's ability to pay salaries on time.
