Renowned economist, Kwame Pianim says placing some tax elements on uncompleted residential and commercial properties must be considered by government.
He considers this to be part of moves to increase revenue mobilization and expand infrastructure in the country.
Speaking at the 8th Ghana Economic Forum, the Yale University graduate argued that now is the time for the government to rake in revenue from the land economy.
Mr Pianim said “...You go around Accra you see a lot of uncompleted houses. Maybe we should put a tax on uncompleted houses. If you put a tax on uncompleted houses, then people will make sure they complete houses very quickly to earn income. Land that is not being used; people are sitting on lands they won’t give it out for development, maybe we should put a tax on undeveloped lands…”
He added, “This could incentivise many to complete projects and earn an income. This could be a tax mobilisation intervention we could employ.”
In a keynote address, President Akufo-Addo re-emphasized the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline. He said prudent macro-economic management remains a priority for the government’s economic management team
Taking his turn, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison noted all gains made in achieving macro-economic stability must be sustained.
Dr Addison said achieving macroeconomic stability takes deliberate policies, sacrifices and resources which if not sustained, can easily unravel.
He said the country has achieved a good degree of macroeconomic stabilisation, under a fiscal and monetary regime oriented towards disinflation.
Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Abena Osei-Poku charged the Bank of Ghana to continue keeping a close eye on its price stability mandate.
She also called for more financial intermediation, especially after the banking sector cleanup.
Discussions at this year’s forum will be hinged on sustaining financial and economic stability with a look at the key priorities.
For seven years, the Ghana Economic Forum’s mission has been driven policies aimed at steering the country’s economy on the right path.
The event aims at bringing out new thinking and policy alternatives to help shape the country’s agenda for economic growth.
The theme for this year’s Ghana Economic Forum is: “Sustaining Financial and Economic Stability: the key Priorities”.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana will take time to recover – Akorfa Edjeani
30 minutes -
Boakye Agyarko urges reforms to revitalise NPP after election defeat
48 minutes -
Finance Minister skips mini-budget presentation for third time
49 minutes -
‘ORAL’ team to work gratis – Ablakwa
57 minutes -
Affirmative Action Coalition condemns lack of gender quotas in Transition, anti-corruption teams
1 hour -
December 7 election was a battle for the ‘soul of Ghana’ against NPP – Fifi Kwetey
1 hour -
Social media buzzing ahead of Black Sherif’s ‘Zaama Disco’ on December 21
1 hour -
Afenyo-Markin still suffering from the massive defeat – Fifi Kwetey
1 hour -
Retain Afenyo-Markin as NPP leader, he has experience – Deputy Speaker
2 hours -
Kufuor didn’t leave behind a strong economy – Fifi Kwetey
2 hours -
It won’t be business as usual, remain humble – Fifi Kwetey to party members
3 hours -
Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror appointed as new Clerk to Parliament
3 hours -
Actress Benyiwaa of ‘Efiewura’ TV series dead
4 hours -
Ashanti Regional Chief Imam dies at age 74
4 hours -
Africa Arts Network calls for tax reform to save Ghana’s theatre industry
4 hours