FixTheCountry Convenors kick against 2022 Budget; Demonstrate on November 26
The convenors of the trending FixTheCountry Movement have expressed their displeasure about certain aspects of the 2022 Budget that is yet to be tabled for Parliamentary scrutiny and subsequent approval. They claim certain aspects of the budget recently read by the Finance Minister are inherently “ridiculous”, hence their decision to demonstrate against it.
The convenors of the social group say they have advanced plans to demonstrate on November 26, to register their dissatisfaction with the 2022 Budget.
In a statement on Friday, the convenors said they have already notified the Ghana Police Service about their intentions and are ready to pour onto the streets to express their disgust.
According to leaders of the social advocacy group, certain aspects of the Budget are inherently “ridiculous”, hence their decision to resent it.
They further said the 2022 Budget smacks of “purposeful deceit” and “the absence of truth and genuine accountability”, a situation the convenors say they will not tolerate.
They are, therefore, imploring the 275 MPs to outrightly reject the 2022 Budget estimates, which were tabled before Parliament on November 17.
“The protest is to register our displeasure at the ridiculous proposals of the 2022 Budget and demand Parliament not to approve the Budget in its current form,” the statement said.
The protest is expected to begin from the Tema Station in Accra, near the National Hockey Stadium, after which the protestors will head to the front of the Parliament House.
Members of the #FixTheCountry Movement are also craving the indulgence of all well-meaning individuals and the media to rally behind their intended demonstration and accord them the needed support.
On Wednesday, November 17, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, presented the 2022 Budget estimates to Parliament for approval.
As part of his presentation, he indicated that government wants to abolish all road tolls and the imposition of a 1.75% E-levy on all electronic transactions.
These two items in the Budget have since sparked a series of debates in public discourse, with many splitting hairs on the said proposals, amongst others.
Meanwhile, the Police have, upon receipt of the letter, invited the convenors at the regional HQ on Monday, November 22 “for further deliberation to ensure a peaceful demonstration.”