The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has declared its intention to oppose any tax reforms in the upcoming mid-year budget review that do not serve the interests of its members.
The Association expressed disappointment in the government for failing to engage key players in the shipping and trade sectors, despite prior assurances of broad stakeholder consultations.
Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit voiced concerns over what he described as a lack of transparency from the Ministry of Finance. According to him, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson had promised to hold discussions with the industry ahead of the review but has not done so.
“We have not been invited to any discussions or take part in any decision making, yet decisions are being made that directly affect our operations,” Awingobit told 3Business on July 22.
“We will resist any tax reforms that are introduced without proper consultation and do not meet our expectations,” he warned.
The mid-year budget review is expected to be presented to Parliament in the coming days. Industry stakeholders anticipate adjustments to revenue measures, including port charges and import duties.
Trade groups have long advocated for meaningful consultation to ensure that government policies reflect on-the-ground economic realities, especially as businesses continue to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global supply chain challenges.
