Sunyani traders and artisans embrace Bawumia's flat tax rate and tax amnesty pledge
More members of the Ghanaian business community are openly embracing the tax reforms Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced his government will implement to aid Ghanaian businesses.
Following his announcement that his government will introduce new tax reforms, including a flat-rate tax and grant tax amnesty to businesses and individuals, several business associations, including spare parts dealers, the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and CIBA (Comprising over 20 business associations), have shown support for these initiatives.
In Sunyani today, during engagements with traders' associations and [omitted part], the traders also welcomed Dr. Bawumia's proposals.
They lamented the constant harassment they face when revenue officers quote unrealistic tax rates for payment.
"We know we have to pay our taxes to help the country, but often, we do not understand how the taxes are calculated. They just bring us the bill, and we are harassed to pay," said one member of the traders' association who welcomed Dr. Bawumia's proposals.
"They lock up our stores if we don't pay the high figures they quote for us, and it is not good for our businesses, so what you are proposing will help us understand what we have to pay," another said.
Other representatives from traders' associations who spoke at the event also complained about harassment from tax officials and supported Dr. Bawumia's proposal to address the situation.
Addressing the traders, Vice President Bawumia emphasized his commitment to implementing the tax reforms he has announced to help boost businesses and traders.
"I know your plight, and I am very committed to implementing the tax reforms I have proposed to help traders and the larger business community."
"There is no need for any confusion over the payment of taxes. It should be simple, transparent, and very competitive for businesses. This is why I am proposing a new tax system with a flat tax rate and tax amnesty for businesses and individuals so that we all start afresh," he added.
Dr. Bawumia also reiterated his commitment to cancelling the e-levy and other taxes, as well as pegging Ghana's import duties with those of Togo to ensure parity, to avoid goods being offloaded at Togolese ports and smuggled into Ghana due to lower import duties in Togo.
After his presentation, Dr. Bawumia made a strong case to the traders to support him to become President to implement his progressive policies.
"Somebody has been President before, and we all saw what he did. I have never been President before, and as Vice President or the driver’s mate, I have contributed so much to the development of our country as I have mentioned them to you. So if you make me President, I will work even harder and implement all these policies I have shared with you to boost your businesses and move our country forward."