The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged that his government will discontinue the payment of utility bills, such as electricity, water, waste management, gas, and internet, for government officials when he gets the nod to lead the nation once again.
He also assured that payment of DSTV subscriptions and free fuel for all prominent government officials would be a thing of the past under his administration.
In an interaction with the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, Mr Mahama outlined cost-saving measures his government would implement, including reducing incentives for government officials.
He added that only government vehicles purposely used for official duties would be eligible for fuel provided by the state.
“We will discontinue the payment of utility bills, fuel, and DSTV as conditions of service for top government officials, directors and the political class. We believe that people should take up paying their own electricity bills and water like every other Ghanaian does.
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“Unless you are using a government vehicle on a government assignment, you should buy your own fuel if you are using your own car. So, we are going to discontinue them. Our budget will be to support small businesses and use tax as incentives for job creation,” he said.
Mr Mahama also announced plans to introduce tax incentives for registered Ghanaian businesses.
Additionally, the NDC flagbearer disclosed a plan to transition the country from cash payments to electronic payments in both the public and private sectors by 2028.
“We want to phase out cash as a form of all payments by 2028, and so for any payment that you have to do for any service that has to do with the public sector and some to do with the private sector, by 2028, we will no longer receive cash.
“So in the hospital and other places, you would have to use your mobile money to pay. Only electronic forms of payments,” he added.
Story By Grace Tsotsoo Quaye