The Accra Central Area Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is breaking grounds on tax compliance. The Unit, as part of its enforcement efforts, has arrested 11 defaulting companies at Lashibi and Spintex, all in Accra.
The companies are Betje Enterprise, Zee Nails and Beauty, Nas Wig and Cosmetics, New Place Fabrics, New Place Collections, Paul Right Shoes and Bags, Celebrity Style, Jolisaeko Enterprises, Lady Aodzi Enterprise, Cheng Gong Ghana Limited, and Zilla Home Trading Enterprise
Joseph Annan, Head of the Accra Central Area Enforcement Unit, said most of the companies were not registered, and, therefore, not charging value added tax (VAT), while others were registered but doing selective issuance of tax invoices.
The taskforce was compelled to lock up Cheng Gong Ghana Limited after failing to provide records of sales. According to Deputy Commissioner Annan, the taskforce locked the company’s gates to bar it from operating, because it opted not to corporate with the taskforce.
He said the company’s alleged nefarious conduct was uncovered through test purchasing, which the Authority’s undercover agent patronised the company and was issued with a pro-forma invoice. The Authority would, therefore, conduct a pre-empty assessment on the company, hence the request for its books.
Deputy Commissioner Annan told journalists after visiting the 11 companies that unlike previously when managers of these firms were arrested, they were given invitation letters to report to their offices.
He said defaulting taxpayers who were arrested at the previous enforcement exercise report to their office even before the date they were expected to be there, which is a good sign.
The Head added that a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer attached to the GRA will take the invitees’ statements, charge and process them for court.
He stated that if any of these companies are found guilty, they will pay three times the amount to the government.
