The Ashanti Regional chapter of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is demanding full commitment by the National Democratic Congress, NDC to abolish some taxes to ease the burden of doing business as promised in its 2024 Manifesto.
According to the traders, their capitals have virtually been swallowed as a result of the debilitating effect of high taxes and the depreciation of the of the cedi, a painful experience that is taking away their course of livelihood and job opportunities for the youth.
At a meeting with the NDC Vice-Presidential candidate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, during her campaign tour of the Ashanti region, the GUTA members commended the party for the bold promise to abolish some taxes such as the E-levy, the COVID levy, Emissions, Betting taxes among others government has pushed down the throat of Ghanaians despite several protests.
Speaking on their behalf, Vice Chairman of the Ashanti regional chapter of GUTA, Nana Kwame Amoanyame said “As a business community, we are suffering; these taxes are crippling our operations”.
He appealed to the NDC to not to renege on its promises.
“Please kindly do something about it for us in your next government”.
Nana Kwame Amoanyame also urged the next NDC government if John Mahama is elected, to help clamp down on foreigners particularly Nigerians operating in the retail business.
He noted that the retail market was a reserve for Ghanaians but now has become a safe haven for foreigners who he said are gradually pushing Ghanaian traders out of business.
Again, Nana Kwame Amoanyame called for additional incentives for traders like soft loans to help boost their trading activities.
The outcry comes on the heels of similar complaints from GUTA national members about exorbitant fees charged by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
In light of these challenges, the business community in the Ashanti Region has vowed to support the NDC, promising to cast their votes in favor of the party in the upcoming December 7 elections.
In response, Mr. Alex Segbefia, Campaign Manager for Professor Opoku-Agyemang, emphasized the need for swift tax reform.
He cautioned that if left unaddressed, the current tax landscape could be counterproductive.
Mr. Alex Segbefia also reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to abolish various “nuisance taxes” within the first 90 days of the next NDC government. Taxes he mentioned include the E-levy, COVID-19 levy, 10% betting tax, and the Emission levy.
He assured the business community that all “burdensome taxes” would be eliminated to provide relief, stimulate economic growth, and enhance living standards for Ghanaians.
