Ato Forson's responses on revenue shortfalls spark fears of harsher taxes - Minority

The Minority has raised concerns over the responses of Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during his vetting on January 13.

Dr. Gideon Boako, Member of Parliament for Tano North, criticized Dr. Forson for being evasive and unconvincing when discussing plans to address revenue shortfalls.

Boako questioned how Forson would manage these gaps without burdening Ghanaians with new taxes, fearing the imposition of harsher taxes. The Minority also challenged Forson’s integrity, pointing out discrepancies in his fiscal deficit data for 2016.

Forson initially cited a 6.1% deficit, later attributing it to being "charitable," but IMF records show it was 6.3%. Boako found this approach problematic and questioned Forson’s credibility.