In a strong critique of Ghana’s fiscal policies, former Auditor General Daniel Yao Domelevo accused the government of abandoning ethical taxation in favour of outright exploitation, which he described as “robbery.” His comments come in response to growing frustration among citizens regarding the government’s misuse of public funds and its failure to fulfil promises.
“This is a government that has moved from taxation to robbery,” Domelevo argued, emphasizing that recent financial decisions were not just taxing citizens but outrightly “picking from people’s pockets.” He pointed to wasted resources, such as the costly yet unrealized sky train project and other unaccounted expenditures, as evidence of fiscal irresponsibility.
“Look at the Auditor General’s report. It seems it doesn’t ring a bell in the ears of government at all,” he added. “We are told about millions spent on projects that we have nothing to show for. It’s no longer a question of taxation; it’s clear exploitation.” Domelevo’s critique reflects growing public dissatisfaction, highlighted in the recent Afrobarometer survey which found that citizens feel burdened by an unresponsive government.
“It’s as if even when our money is in our pocket, the government is reaching in to take it,” he stated, drawing attention to how neglected fiscal responsibility has aggravated public distrust. Reflecting on projects deemed unnecessary or wasteful, Domelevo stressed, “We must look at these institutions and ask their leaders if they are not ashamed. “At this point, the misuse of resources feels like a betrayal to the people who fund them.”
By: Abubakar Ibrahim
