To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected – Bagbin Urges NDC MPs, Mahama Government
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has extended his congratulations to President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following their resounding victories in the 2024 general elections.
Delivering his remarks during a parliamentary sitting on Monday, December 16, 2024, Bagbin emphasized the immense responsibility now placed on the shoulders of the NDC government and its MPs. “To whom much is given, much is expected. You cannot afford to disappoint the people of Ghana,” he stated.
The NDC’s performance in the 2024 elections secured both the presidency and a majority in Parliament, placing them in a position of significant political power. Bagbin reminded the incoming administration that this trust from the electorate comes with the obligation to deliver on their promises and govern effectively.
Scrutiny Over Revenue Generation
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, addressing the floor, raised concerns about the feasibility of the incoming administration’s promises, particularly regarding revenue generation. He questioned how the Mahama-led government intends to fund its initiatives, especially given its pledge to abolish several taxes within the first 100 days in office.
“We are going to see how you [the NDC MPs] will protect the public purse. Your manifesto commitments included removing the e-levy, COVID levy, a 10% tax on betting, and other levies. We will watch closely to see where you will raise the revenue to fund these promises,” Afenyo-Markin remarked.
Concerns from Analysts
Economic analysts have also voiced skepticism about the NDC’s ability to balance revenue and expenditure. Joe Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, highlighted the challenges ahead for the Mahama administration, particularly with the removal of taxes that currently contribute significantly to Ghana’s revenue base.
“Let us not be mistaken. In 2025, the government will face significant revenue shortfalls if taxes such as the e-levy, betting tax, and COVID levy are removed. There needs to be a clear strategy for compensating for these losses,” Jackson said in an interview on TV3. He added, “You say you are going to remove tax A, B, C, D. But where is the money going to come from?”
Despite these concerns, Jackson acknowledged that leadership requires courage and a commitment to addressing the country’s challenges head-on. “Someone has to step up and fix the country,” he concluded.
A Call for Humble and Effective Leadership
Speaker Bagbin’s remarks also included a warning to the incoming administration and the NDC majority in Parliament: the electorate’s trust is conditional and can be withdrawn if expectations are not met. “The same stick used to beat one government is reserved for the next. You must govern with humility and a focus on the needs of the people,” he cautioned.
As the Mahama government prepares to take office, the challenges of fulfilling campaign promises while maintaining fiscal responsibility remain a central issue for the incoming administration.