A Glimpse into the Past: John Mahama, the Nation builder’s Legacy

A Glimpse into the Past: John Mahama, the Nation builder’s Legacy

As we delve into the discourse surrounding the proposed 24-hour economy, one key factor to consider is infrastructure supported by key policies. Without infrastructure and systems 24-Hour Economy will just be a slogan.

The legacy of Former President John Mahama left during his tenure, marked by a visionary approach confirmed that he is capable of making Ghana work again.

1. Infrastructure

During his presidency, Mahama recognized the foundational role of infrastructure in propelling a nation forward. With unwavering determination, he prioritized infrastructure development as a linchpin for sustained progress. Roads, energy, and education became focal points of his policies, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to address key sectors crucial for national advancement.

Some of the NDC established projects and funds created to build Ghana and misused by NPP government are as follows;

• VAT - NDC
• GETFUND - NDC
• HERITAGE FUND - NDC
• GIIF - NDC
• ESLA - NDC
• GHANA EXIM BANK - NDC
• GIPC - NDC
• STABILIZATION Fund - NDC
• INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - NDC
• FREE ZONE BOARD- NDC
• GHANA GAS- NDC
• WORLD DATA CENTRE-NDC
• GNPC-NDC
• GHANA BUFFER STOCKS - NDC

They have collateralized all the above for loans and can’t pay back the loans

1. Roads as Connectors

Mahama’s emphasis on road infrastructure wasn’t merely about asphalt and concrete; it was about connectivity. Recognizing the role of roads as vital connectors, he envisioned a Ghana where cities and rural areas were seamlessly linked. Improved road networks facilitate the movement of goods, people, and ideas — vital for fostering economic dynamism.

1. Empowering through Energy

The energy sector bore witness to transformative policies under Mahama’s administration. Understanding that a nation’s vitality is intricately linked to its power supply, he undertook initiatives to enhance energy generation and distribution. This not only addressed power deficits but also laid the groundwork for industrial growth and increased economic activity.

1. Education for Empowerment

Mahama recognized education as the cornerstone of empowerment. His administration invested substantially in the education sector, aiming to provide quality learning opportunities for Ghanaians. A well-educated populace, in his vision, is better equipped to contribute to economic development, innovation, and national progress.

Setting the Stage for Economic Growth
In hindsight, Mahama’s policies were more than infrastructural developments; they were strategic investments setting the stage for robust economic growth. By fostering connectivity, ensuring energy sufficiency, and prioritizing education, he laid a solid foundation upon which subsequent proposals, such as the 24-hour economy, could build.

What did NPP promise us in the year 2016: They promised to move from tax regime to production regime but we ended up being swallowed by more than 40 taxes introduced by Bawumia since 2017.

1. 3% VAT flat rate

2. 5% increase in VAT

3. Make GETFUND & NHIL levies, taxes

4. 25% increase in corporate tax

5. 2% Special Import Levy

6. 1% COVID levy + 3% VAT = 4%

7. 1% COVID levy on 2.5% NHIL levy

8. 5% Fiscal Stabilisation Levy

9. 5% Financial Sector cleanup (collapse banks) recovery levy

10. 1% E-Levy

11. 20p levy on a litre of petrol/diesel

12. 10p borla levy on a litre of petrol/diesel

13. 18p levy on LPG

14. 2.5% increase in VAT

15. Luxury vehicle tax

16. 50% increase in Call Tax

17. 30% increase in the Energy Sector Levy (ESLA)

18. 11% increase in Special Petroleum Tax

19. 200% increase in BOST margin

20. 40% increase in Price Stabilization & Recovery levy

21. 25% increase in Primary Distribution margin

22. 36% increase in Unified Petroleum Price Fund

23. Road Fund increase

24. 10% withholding tax on betting, lottery, etc

25. 20% increase in tax on betting companies

26. 35% increase in Income Tax

27. 3% & 10% withholding tax on assets & liabilities

28. 25% increase on tax on gifts & gains

29. Profit before tax levy on companies

30. 5% tax on companies declaring losses

31. Tax on motor vehicle benefits

32. 1.75% tax on bank transfers

33. 1.75% tax on remittances (borgo tax)

34. 15% increase in govt fees

35. 35% increase in corporate tax on mining companies

36. 22% corporate tax on hotels

37. Excise duty for owning a car, motorbike, etc

38. 1% stamp tax

39. 35% payroll tax (PAYE)

40. Customs & Excise duty on sachet water, bottled water, malt drinks, beers, wines, spirits, cigars, plastic products, textiles, etc.

Vote for Mahama, Vote for Development.

#24houreconomy