The multiple tariffs levied on goods and services that are impeding the expansion of their enterprises have been decried once more by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
Dr. Joseph Obeng, the Association’s president, has argued that taxes are a complimentary measure to cushion government, not a means of bringing down enterprises.
His remarks follow allegations that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been intimidating and harassing its members.
Dr. Obeng emphasized at a news conference on September 20, 2023 that the Value Added Tax (VAT) must be designed to include both dealers and customers in the tax net.
“We are also open to even challenge us in court because they will lose it. They have to structure the VAT system so that compliance will be good so that it will be conducive for me…taxes are not meant to destroy businesses…taxes are complementary because government needs it to survive, government needs your business to grow so that the little taxes you get will also grow and help government,” he said.
You may remember that GUTA has lamented taxes and how they are harming their businesses over the past few months.
The Association urged the Ghana Revenue Authority to look for creative ways to include more people in the tax system.
According to the report, despite being entitled to pay taxes, 13 million people avoid doing so because of flaws in the tax code.