So, What Happened To The Promise? — Dr George Domfe Questions Ato Forson’s Introduction Of New Taxes

Developmental economist and University of Ghana lecturer Dr George Domfe has questioned the government’s commitment to its promise of increasing revenue without introducing additional taxes.

Dr Domfe challenged Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson over what he sees as a possible departure from the assurance he gave in January 2025 that the government could generate more revenue without increasing taxes.

According to the report, Dr Domfe raised the concerns in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. In his comments, he recalled Ato Forson’s statement on January 13, 2025, when the Finance Minister indicated that the government could raise revenue without placing additional tax burdens on the public.

However, the economist questioned whether the introduction of new tax measures was consistent with that earlier promise.

Dr Domfe wondered whether the government had now concluded that taxation was the simplest way to generate additional revenue. He also questioned whether the apparent change in direction demonstrated economic creativity or amounted to political insincerity.

His comments have renewed debate about the government’s revenue-generation strategy and whether its current fiscal policies align with the commitments made to the public.

At the centre of his criticism is the apparent contradiction between the promise to increase revenue without raising taxes and the subsequent introduction of new tax measures.

For Dr Domfe, the issue goes beyond the introduction of taxes. It also concerns the consistency of government policy and whether the authorities are following through on assurances made to Ghanaians.

The Finance Minister’s January 2025 statement suggested that the government could explore ways to increase revenue without relying on additional taxation. The economist’s latest remarks raise questions about whether that objective remains achievable under the current approach.

His concerns are likely to keep the spotlight on the government’s efforts to mobilise revenue, particularly as Ghanaians continue to pay attention to taxation, public spending and the broader management of the economy.

As the debate continues, questions remain about how the government intends to balance its revenue needs with its earlier promise not to increase taxes.

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