As part of the Value Added Tax (VAT) invoice issuance initiative, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has referred ten shop managers to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service for a thorough inquiry.
These managers are under investigation for breaching the nation’s tax statutes and engaging in tax-related transgressions.
The implicated establishments are VK & J Trading Enterprise, Frimako Ventures, Molla Ventures, Yamiz Ventures, Jomilet Tiles, and Abi Ventures.
Additionally, Delcam FB Limited Books & Stationery, Tiwalet Whosales, Klelon Mall, and Regal Enterprise, all situated within the Ablekuma North Municipal District in the Greater Accra Region, are involved.
Mr. Joseph Annan, the Area Enforcement Manager of GRA overseeing Accra Central, clarified that during a test-purchase operation, these businesses were found to be issuing their own VAT invoices instead of the designated Commissioner-General’s invoice. Consequently, they have contravened the VAT regulations.
He elaborated that this undertaking forms part of an ongoing nationwide VAT Invigilation campaign by the Authority, aimed at recuperating outstanding taxes owed to the state.
He mentioned that the police would conduct their investigations, while their role as tax administrators involves scrutinizing the financial records of the implicated parties. “We will enforce all pertinent penalties and interest,” he emphasized.
He further highlighted that failing to provide the VAT invoice was a legal violation and that the appropriate legal procedures would be followed.
Mr. Annan underscored that as part of the ongoing nationwide VAT Invigilation initiative, the GRA would persist in conducting mystery shopping operations nationwide to apprehend individuals avoiding tax responsibilities.
He outlined that the GRA’s test-purchase endeavors aim to secure the willing adherence of all parties to tax obligations.
“We will continue this exercise until our taxpayers do the needful. We are adding night test-purchase for the shops who operate at night,” he added.
When asked about consumer awareness, he responded that clients are aware of tax compliance because the Authority announces its tax payment regulations each month on radio, TV, and all GRA social media platforms.
“They are just not complying with the tax laws”, he said.
He recommended all clients to make sure they received VAT invoices in order to act honorably as citizens.
He stated that the Authority would undertake a proactive assessment as part of their auditing process, requiring them to make payment right away, but that they would then propose carrying out a thorough audit.
Even though they would audit their records, Mr. Annan stated that the CID would handle the legal part and prepare their docket for potential prosecution.