The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stated that it employs various compliance and enforcement measures, such as visits to registered businesses, and closing of shops due to failure of importers and traders to pay taxes among others.
This was in reaction to false narratives being peddled in the media space by members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG). Members of GUTA and TAGG have, in recent times, being complaining about frequent arrests of their goods by Customs Monitoring Taskforce eventually leading to payment of heavy penalties by traders. They have also raised allegations of harassment and extortion on the part of the Customs Taskforce.
But according to Florence Asante, Assistant Commissioner, Communication and Public Affairs of the GRA, the Customs Division had put in place four Monitoring Taskforces to stop smuggling, under declaration, misdescription and concealment of goods, thereby ensuring that the right amount of taxes are paid by importers.
Speaking on some of interceptions made by the monitoring teams she said, “On 8th March 2023, two trucks with registration numbers GB 517-22 and GR7891-21 carrying 4X20FT containers were wholly misdescribed to contain coal pressor spiral.
A total revenue of GH¢37,763.67 had been paid for all the four containers. Upon re-examination, it was uncovered that the declared coal pressor spiral was mackerel in tomato sauce. Re-assessment was done and a total evaded revenue of GH¢1,464,118.20 was realised”.
Madam Asante further indicated that the team, in collaboration with National Investigation Bureau (NIB) and National Security also intercepted two trucks, which contained smuggled frozen mackerel at Dormaa Kyeremasu in the Bono Region and after re-examination and assessment was done an additional tax of GH¢138,536.36 was recouped to the state.
“Three trucks which were carrying tomato paste and mackerel were also intercepted at a hidden place around Adugyama in the Ashanti Region. Upon interrogation and meticulous examination of their Customs Bills of Entry (BOE)s, it was evident that the consignment in the three trucks had paid revenue of only GH¢78,000.00 and hence they were picked for further action.
After re-examination and re-assessment, it came out clearly that there was tax evasion and hence a total evaded tax of GH¢206,997.78 was recouped to the state and many more”, she added.
Apart from being a deterrent to those persons who are involved in non-compliant activities, she said these compliance activities also resulted in additional revenue for the State.
As a result, she appealed to the Management of leadership of GUTA and TAGG to cooperate with the various Taskforces across the country and encourage their members to comply with the Tax laws.
Madam Asante asserted that her outfit will continue to engage the members of Trade Associations, including GUTA and TAGG, to address their issues as we strive to achieve our common goal of revenue mobilization.
“We also encourage the general public to report any misconduct on the part of GRA officers during these exercises and in their normal course of work on 0800-900-110”, she encouraged.
Additionally, she indicated that the names of companies, importers, and Clearing agents who have been found to be involved in these malpractices and the resultant short collection will be published as the laws prescribe.
She assured that GRA will continue to ensure that the human involvement in revenue mobilization is reduced while improving on automation of systems to eliminate the use of discretion and thereby assist taxpayers to comply.
“Also, remain committed to our core mandate of revenue mobilization and facilitation of
Trade and we assure all traders and the general public that the work of the Taskforces
and the other compliance activities is not to intimidate or harass them, but rather to
ensure that businesses are complying with the tax laws and are paying the right amount of taxes due the Government of Ghana for national development”, the statement noted.
