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Importers urged to affix tax stamps on electronic cigarettes, beverages

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Mrs. Monica Josiah, Head of the Shipper Service & Trade Facilitation Department at GSA (L), with some executive members

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has urged importers to regularise the acquisition of Excise Tax Stamps on imported products subject to excise duty by Sunday, December 31, 2023, or potentially face sanctions, including fines and confiscation of goods.

This measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with the Amended Excise Duty Act 2023 (Act 1093), which seeks to address the adverse effects of certain excisable products, such as electronic cigarettes and beverages with high alcohol and sugar content.

The advice was delivered to members of the Greater Accra Regional Shipper Committee during its 121st Meeting at Shippers’ House in Accra on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Mr. Nelson Atsu, Chief Revenue Officer of the Excise Unit at GRA, provided a comprehensive explanation of the rationale behind the Excise Duty Amendment Act 2023 (Act 1093).

Mr. Nelson Atsu, Chief Revenue Officer of the Excise Unit at GRA

He stated that the Excise Duty Act of 2014 (Act 878) was amended to include various non-alcoholic beverages, electronic cigarettes, both sweetened and unsweetened fruit juices, electronic cigarette, liquid and similar personal electronic vaporising devices within the excise tax stamp regime.

Mr. Atsu further outlined that the GRA had earmarked the period from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, as the transition period for importers to ensure the proper affixing of tax stamps. After this transition period, defaulters will face penalties.

He stated: “The implementation of affixing Tax Stamps to all affected products at entry points will begin on October 1, 2023. Importers and domestic manufacturers are expected to arrange for the acquisition of tax stamps on affected products during this period. The Transition Period will conclude on December 31, 2023, and full Implementation will commence on January 2, 2024.”

The importers inquired about how to differentiate between excise tax stamps for domestic products and those for imported products.

A member of the Greater Accra Shipper Committee asking question

Mr. Atsu explained that distinct background colours had been employed, with orange representing domestic products, and mauve indicating imported products, allowing for easy identification of the origins.

Mrs. Monica Josiah, Head of the Shipper Services & Trade Facilitation Department, advised importers who encounter difficulties related to delays in acquiring tax exemptions on imported goods to promptly notify the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to enable it to provide assistance in resolving the issues.

Members of the committee expressed satisfaction with the sensitisation efforts and commended the GSA for its consistent commitment to enhancing the knowledge of importers and exporters to improve their shipping operations.

GRA taskforce breaking grounds on tax compliance

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Cheng Gong Ltd premises being locked with padlocks and chains.

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.

Cheng Gong Ghana Ltd workers giving GRA taskforce tough time

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.

Traditional leaders must be guided by honesty and selflessness -Haffar

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Anis Haffar presents a book to a chief

A Governor of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, Mr. Anis Haffar has commended the selflessness and commitment of several traditional leaders towards growth and community development.

Mr. Haffar noted that the traditional leaders have the best interests of their communities at heart as a result of which they actively work to promote growth across board.

A section of traditional leaders at the lecture

Speaking on the topic; “Effective Education for Traditional leadership in the 21st Century” at the Millennium Excellence Foundation lecture at the GIMPA Main Auditorium in Accra recently, the renowned educationist stressed the need for traditional leaders to be guided by fairness, integrity, accountability and transparency in their leadership roles, saying education of traditional leaders should emphasise the importance of moral leadership.

The Vision of the Millennium Excellence Foundation, of which Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, is the Life Patron, is to recognise and support achievement in sustainable development in line with its core values with the objective to inspire, identify, celebrate and reward achievers in diverse fields of endeavor; mentor, coach, build resilience, support stakeholder initiatives, train, build capacity and develop infrastructure; serve deprived communities and vulnerable groups, and people living with disability, women and the youth.

The seasoned educationist noted that when the traditional leaders have been equipped with these qualities it would ensure that they serve as role models and promote the best interests of their communities.

According to Mr. Haffar, traditional leaders are the guardians over the land and natural resources for which their education should highlight the importance of environmental stewardship, conservation and sustenance resource management.

This, Mr. Haffar said, would enable them to understand the environmental challenges facing their communities and implement measures to protect their natural heritage.

A group pix of traditional leaders

The author and columnist who is also the chairman of the National Teaching Council noted that when “ traditional leaders show integrity, transparency and strong sense of commitment they  inspire and motivate others to follow their lead as well as create the environment for community development”.

Mr. Haffar has, therefore, recommended that since traditional leaders would want to serve others rather than be served, there is the need for them to benefit from education to encourage them to be mindful of their leadership roles.

He explained that since we live in a digital age it is recommended that the traditional leaders upgrade their skills in technology to meet the demands of the youth in these modern times.

Journalists call on the gov’t to extend GKMA project

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Francis Ameyebor - M-Code Coordinator

The Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has called on the government and development partners to extend the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Sanitation and Water Project (GKMA, SWP) to other parts of the country.

Mr. Francis Ameyibor, the M-CODe National Convenor, has stressed the need for expansion to ensure that the citizenry outside the urban areas also benefit from the project.

He urged the GKMA SWP to extend its reach by adopting at least one Metropolitan or Municipal area in low-income communities to increase access to improved sanitation and water supply.

He made the call during an extensive engagement with M-CODe regional stakeholders across the country that supports the idea of extending and expanding the GKMA project.
Mr. Ameyibor pleaded with both the government and the World Bank to urgently consider the expansion.

Commenting on the M-CODe Empowerment Summit, he explained that it was an integral part of the M-CODe 2023 Anti-Open Defecation Nationwide Advocacy efforts supported by World Vision Ghana.

He noted that the aim is to build alliances with strategic stakeholders, including the Regional Coordinating Councils, Environmental Health Departments, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, Community Water and Sanitation Agency and the Department of Community Development.

Other stakeholders involved in the campaign against open defecation include the Department of Gender, the National Commission for Civic Education, Regional Environmental Officers, the Environmental Protection Agency and various civil society organisations.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Sanitation and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development are working tirelessly to revitalise activism and transform society into one free from open defecation.

As part of the national effort to eradicate open defecation, Mr Ameyibor observed the importance of empowerment through capacity building, connecting key players in the battle against open defecation, and creating a platform to address communities still practicing open defecation.
Mr. Yaw Atta Arhin, the World Vision Ghana Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Technical Specialist, stressed the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to achieve the goal of ending open defecation by 2030.

He said though there is recent political and public interest, yet progress in that regard has been disappointingly slow and called on the Ministry of Sanitation to continue providing leadership and strategic direction for implementing the roadmap to end open defecation in Ghana.

Mr. Arhin also lamented the tragic fact that preventable diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid claim the lives of children every year because of lack of basic sanitation facilities and proper hygiene practices.

Meanwhile, Residents of some of Municipalities in the Ashanti region are urging the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area, Sanitation and Water Project (GKMA, SWP) to ensure that they prioritise the inclusion of most of the municipalities for the effective and efficient implementation of the project.

According to residents of Atimatim-Tabuom, which falls between the Afigya Kwabre South District and Kwabre East Municipality, in the Ashanti region, most of the households are without public places of convenience and dumping sites to serve the residents.

The residents complained that sometimes it takes two weeks before their refuse is evacuated from the entrance and gates of their residences by private individuals, thus posing post health danger to the residents.

Zongo Development Fund is transforming Zongo communities –CEO

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Dr. Arafat Suleman Abdulai, CEO of Zongo Development Fund addressing the media

The Chief Executive Officer of the Zongo Development Fund (ZDF), Sulemana Arafat, has disclosed that the life of Zongo communities across the 16 regions have been impacted positively by his outfit.

The CEO said this during the Ministry of Information’s Press Briefing in Accra yesterday.

The fund, under the Act, 2017 (ACT 964) was set up to pursue in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, an inclusive development that leaves no community behind, taking cognisance of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations’ Organization and upheld by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).

Dignitaries present at the press briefing

“Since its momentous establishment, the Zongo Development Fund has impacted positively on the lives of communities, individuals and organisations in Zongo communities, in the 16 regions across the length and breadth of Ghana”, he stated.

The Fund is mandated to provide financial resources to develop and transform the Social and Economic conditions of Zongo Communities through investment in Basic Services and Strategic Infrastructure, Financing Education and Training Programmes of the Youth in Zongo Communities, Support for Local Businesses in Zongo Communities, Promotion of Programmes to Support Tourism, Culture and Arts in Zongo Communities and Provision of Social Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable Children, Men and Women in Zongo Communities.

COVID-19 Response Programme

Sulemana Arafat said that during the intensive period of the COVID19 pandemic, his outfit partnered with Chiefs, Imams and other leaders in Zongo communities to educate, sensitise and distribute COVID19 relief and protective materials.

Community Sports and Recreation Centres

He further indicated that in the area of Sports, Recreation and Community Mobilization for Social Cohesion and Economic Development, the Fund has “invested in the construction of 18 Community Sports and Recreation Centres (Astro Turfs), thereby emerging as the foremost provider of community sports infrastructure in Ghana”.

To him, the fund recognises the inexhaustible sporting assets in Zongo communities and is committed to providing enabling infrastructure to unearth, harness and nurture these talents for sustainable socio-economic growth and development.

Additionally, he said the opportunities for community mobilisation through the colorful festivals, diverse social and cultural events to promote social cohesion in Zongos are immense.

Economic Empowerment and Educational Grants

The Fund, according Mr. Arafat, has provided skills training to 1,200 youth from various Zongo Communities and five hundred (500) youth have also seized the opportunity provided by the Fund to acquire training in specialized skills, financial aptitude and competence.

The Zongo Development Fund has, therefore, provided educational support grants to 972 students engaged in various academic disciplines.

Furthermore, he said they have facilitated and supported 40 students to pursue Medicine and related disciplines in Cuba, in order to increase the capacity of Zongo Communities to access Medical care when the students complete their education and return to serve their communities.

Way Forward

Addressing the gathering, Sulemana Arafat asserted that his outfit has been guided by the Strategic Plan of the Fund which serves as a guiding principle for the implementation of the programmes, projects and activities as well future prospects of the Zongo Development Fund.

“In the years ahead, we look forward to increasing our capacity to attract support, investment and collaboration through leveraging our unique position to supplement and complement funding from Central government”, he noted.

Shakira accused of tax crimes again

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Shakira

Colombian pop star Shakira has been charged with tax evasion for the second time by the Spanish government.

Prosecutors in Spain allege the singer defrauded the state of €6.7m ($7.1m, £5.8m) in 2018.

According to Prosecutors, the ‘Hips don’t lie’ failed to declare millions in advance payments for her El Dorado World Tour, among other payments.

Spanish prosecutors opened the second investigation in July 2023 but released the details on Tuesday.

Spanish network RTVE says the 46-year-old singer is aware of the new charges, but news agency Reuters reports that Shakira’s legal team in Miami – where she now lives – has not yet been told about them.

Instead, they were “focused on preparing for the trial for the 2012-14 fiscal years, which will begin on Nov 20,” they told Reuters in a statement.

The new charges hinge on the fact that in 2018, Shakira was living in Barcelona with football star Gerard Pique and was therefore required to tax all her international revenue there.

They argue that she instead diverted her money to “companies domiciled in countries with low taxation and high opacity”.

Shakira faces trial over six separate alleged tax crimes in Barcelona this November – charges she has denied.

Fixing a nation starts with self-improvement -Okyeame Kwame

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Okyeame Kwame

Rapper Okyeame Kwame had admonished his followers to first fix themselves before seeking fixing of the nation.

Rap Doctor’s message comes at a time when political discourse and expectations are running high amidst the #occupyjulorbihouse demonstration.

Responding to a question about “Who do you believe will fix the country?” Okyeame Kwame asserted that no single leader, no matter how capable, can single-handedly fix all of the country’s challenges.

According to him, the collective impact would improve the nation if each citizen takes responsibility for improving their health, nurturing positive attitudes, strengthening their families, and excelling in their professions.

In his tweet, he declared, “You Naa you will fix the country. Starting with your health, then mindset, then your family, then your work, if we all start a small light in our little corners, Ghana will become bright. All the names you have mentioned can also light a small flame. However, Ghana cannot be fixed by one man. No messiah in politics.”

The ‘Killing the game’ hitmaker’s tweet divided social media, with many Ghanaians asking if his remarks are to exonerate the political leadership from accountability for the country’s challenges.

I wrote 80% of Mr Drew’s hit song ‘Case’ but he failed to credit me –Kuami Eugene

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Kuami Eugene

Lynx Entertainment artist Kuami Eugene has revealed that he wrote about eighty percent of Mr Drew’s hit song “Case” but did not receive proper credit for his contribution. In an interview with U.S.-based Ghanaian vlogger Naana Donkor Arthur, Kuami Eugene expressed his frustration over not being acknowledged for his significant role in the song’s creation.

According to Kuami Eugene, he wrote about 80% of the song, including the hook and part of the second verse.

Eugene said he has a gift of songwriting and since he cannot sing all the songs in the world he often writes songs for others.

“Mr Drew’s song, “Case” I wrote the hook, and some part of the second verse. I wrote like 80 percent of that song. In fact, before he came to record the song that hook and everything was already done, he heard it and sang it back. So, I do writing for other artists as well,” he told Naana Donkor Arthur in an interview.

“It’s quite unfortunate that this is the platform I have to send a message to Mr Drew to prompt him to do what he needs to do because the song is doing good. That hook is great. If I had sang it by myself, it would have still been a hit song because I wrote that song thinking about wish me well,” he lamented.

Kuami Eugene also expressed his desire for the need for talents to be credited in the entertainment industry.

“He’s a brother. I wish we could appropriate where credit is due in the industry and give respect so we can move on as individuals,” he stated.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

Ghanaians are unable to support more than one Artiste at a time –Kelvynboy

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Kelvynboy

Afrobeat sensation, Kelvynboy has highlighted an issue in the music industry; noting that Ghanaian fans tend to focus solely on one Artiste at a time. Citing the case of Nigeria, he argued that this focus on one Artiste and the comparisons leads to stagnation in the industry and limits diversity in musical tastes.

“The problem is we can’t support several people at the same time. Nigerians are good artists. They support everyone equally as they do it. That’s what we don’t do. We don’t support several artists at the same time. If Kelvynboy comes, yes, it’d be Kelvynboy. We go take him, compare. People say, oh, it’d be this one,” he stated.

He shared his thoughts on diversity and support within the Ghanaian music industry.

He as well highlighted the changing dynamics influenced by technology and accessibility to music in an interview with MX24 TV.

According to the ‘Down Flat’ hitmaker, songs do not become hits as quickly as before because consumers are spoilt for choice and cannot be forced to consume one form of music by gatekeepers.

“I think that narrative, that table is turning, actually because way back before when I came into the industry, every song could blow up quickly. It hasn’t happened lately. Thanks to social media and all that. It’s not like the ones that some gatekeepers are saying is the number one is the number one. The number one is on our phones. We can’t force anybody to like or unlike something,” he expressed.

Ukraine strikes deep inside Crimea, cuts through Surovikin Line

By
admin
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A firefighter works to extinguish burning trucks damaged during a Russian drone attack

Ukraine scored devastating deep strikes against Russian-occupied Crimea in the 83rd week of the war, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured Europe and the United States picking up pledges of new long-range weapons and financing.

At the same time, Ukrainian and Western sources confirmed that Ukrainian troops had broken through the first and strongest line of Russian defence on the southern front, known as the Surovikin Line after the general who devised it. That success could accelerate their march towards the cities of Tokmak and Melitopol.

Ukraine attacked three targets in occupied Crimea in as many days, honing its signature tactic of using a wave of drones to destroy or distract air defences, followed by a wave of missiles.

Satellite images showed that attacks destroyed half of the Black Sea Fleet’s communications command centre in Verkhnosadove, 16 kilometres (10 miles) northeast of the fleet base in Sevastopol, on September 20.

The following day Ukraine attacked the Saky airfield – the second time it has done so during the war. The Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne reported the attack caused “serious damage” and that 12 Russian combat aircraft were present, including Su-24 and Su-30 fighter-bombers.

Source: Aljazeera.com

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