NGO advocates introduction of climate tax
The 2024 National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) has ended in Accra, with a call on the government to abolish outdated taxes and introduce a climate levy to help implement climate interventions in the country.
Advertisement
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VODEC Africa, an NGO, Daniel Asomani, who made the call, urged the government to consider scrapping taxes such as the COVID-19 levy and emission tax, which had outlived their relevance.
He said those taxes had placed “unnecessary burden” on citizens and would not propel sustainable development.
Mr Asomani, however, said the introduction of the climate levy would not only help to tackle the impact of global climate crisis but also create sustainable job opportunities for the youth.
Forum
The CEO was speaking at a power-packed NELEF held at the University for Professional Studies (UPSA), Accra, last Monday.
Present at the event were the Director of People of Transformation at Consolidated Bank Ghana, Esi Mmirba Wilson; the CEO of Fedems Limited, Felix Astrim; the Chairman of the Governing Council of Dominion University College, Prof Felix Nikoi Hammond, and representatives of political parties.
The forum, which was jointly organised by VODEC Africa and other collaborators, brought together young leaders, policy analysts, industry players, CSOs and students.
It equipped participants with the requisite knowledge to contribute towards national development agenda. It also built their capacity to help shape the country’s economic future through innovation.
Other Trending Stories
Sustainable growth
Mr Asomani further urged the emerging leaders to embrace innovation and sustainability modules to promote economic growth.
He also called on aspiring presidential and parliamentary candidates in the December 7 polls to adopt a transparent, accountable and good governance in the next administration.
Economic woes
A renowned evangelist and economist, Rev. Dr Lawrence Tetteh, blamed the prevailing economic challenges in the country on lack of visionary leadership.
“Good leadership and good governance that prioritise long term goals instead of short term goals can change the trajectory of an entire nation. We must wake up’’, he said.
Rev. Tetteh, also criticised the youth for not being patriotic enough to turn the tables around and transform the country’s fortunes for the best.
He, therefore, called for a collective action and team work by all stakeholders to alleviate the economic challenges in the country.
Rev. Tetteh, therefore, urged the emerging leaders to vote on issues and values, and not on monetary gains during the elections.
He cautioned leaders to foster inclusive governance and eschew acts of favouritism and nepotism while in office.
Policy reforms
A US-based business and policy analyst, Isaac Boamah, also advocated more policy reforms to provide employment opportunities for the youth.
He stressed the importance of youth participation in national policy discussions and urged them to actively engage in the political process to reflect their aspirations.
For his part, the Chief of Asaman in the Ashanti Region, Nana Barima Acheampong Sarpong, advised the youth to challenge the status quo and work towards a governance system that would serve the people by upholding justice, equality and the rule of law.