GUTA Commends Government

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has expressed joy over the suspension of import VAT charges on some 64 commodities.

They commended government for being responsive to their concerns after several consultations.

Speaking to THE PUBLISHER, Emmanuel Nana Opoku, Deputy General Secretary who doubles as the Greater Accra Regional Secretary of GUTA, said “We are appreciative for government to have accepted the urgency call to remove taxes that mistakenly found it way in the HS code in Customs system, which they have admitted it was a mistake.”

The Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid is recalled to have indicated in a statement that government has directed that Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) suspends with immediate effect the charging of Import VAT on mobile phones, Electoral Transformers, Tractors for Agricultural Purposes, Solar Cells, Musical Instruments, Outboard Motors, Concrete Mortar Mixers and Day-Old Chicks among others.

The suspension, which took effect from Wednesday, March 21, was as a result of a decision taken by the government after extensive consultation with various stakeholders who operate in the sector.

According to Nana Opoku, government’s immediate response to their concern has proven that “the Nana Akufo-Addo’s led-government is indeed a listening government.”

He further eulogized some key leaders in government who helped in ensuring the suspension of the import VAT charges on the 64 commodities.

“We acknowledge some key leaders in government who helped in making this happen. They include the Deputy Finance Minister, Kwaku Kwarteng and the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, and Mr. Crenstil of the Customs Division.”

The Import VAT which started on March 1 this year resulted in hikes in taxes paid on some 64 items, like mobile phones, day old chicks, outboard motors and electrical transformers, tractors for Agricultural purposes, Solar Cells, Musical Instruments, Concretes among others.

According to the Association, “the upsurge on import duties was affecting some sectors of our association especially the mobile phones and the electrical dealers. This compelled us (Greater Accra GUTA) to serve Vice President Bawumia a petition”.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum/ thePublisher