Kobina Tahir (KT) Hammond, the Minister for Trade and Industry, has criticized the leadership of the Trade and Industry Committee in Parliament for impeding the approval process of tax waivers intended for factories established under the government’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
Expressing his frustration with the procedural delays, he Minister stressed the negative impact these obstructions could have on the policy’s implementation and the broader business community.
The issue of pending tax exemptions, which have been awaiting approval since 2021, was brought to the forefront during President Akufo-Addo’s 2024 State of the Nation address.
The President urged Parliament to act swiftly in approving the outstanding tax exemptions to demonstrate support for the business sector.
In a conversation with Citi News, KT Hammond accused certain members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) within the Finance Committee, in collaboration with the minority caucus, of deliberately thwarting the approval of the tax waivers.
He described a pattern of opposition against initiatives perceived to benefit the country if proposed by the NPP, noting that this resistance includes not only members of the opposition but also certain elements within his own party.
Yusif Sulemena, the Ranking Member on the Trade and Industry Committee, has made it clear that the minority caucus stands firm in its decision not to endorse any tax waivers, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.
