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Smugglers Take Over Ghana’s Rice and Sugar Market –FABAG Sounds Alarm

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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John Awuni, Executive Chairman of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG)

As Ghanaian farmers watch their rice produce go to waste amid a surge of smuggled foreign rice, the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has sounded the alarm over escalating smuggling activities that are taking over the country’s rice and sugar market.

Legitimate importers and distributors of locally produced rice are said to be struggling as massive volumes of smuggled rice and sugar flood the Ghanaian market through unapproved routes, particularly at border points such as Aflao (Togo) and Elubo (Ivory Coast).

FABAG warned that these illicit activities not only undermine fair competition, but also deprive the government of millions of cedis in import duties and taxes, putting honest businesses at a disadvantage.

The association urged the government to take urgent and concrete action to address the crisis. Among the measures recommended was a nationwide clampdown on smuggling led by the GRA Customs Division, an overhaul of border management systems including digital monitoring of rice and sugar consignments, and public disclosure of enforcement results to demonstrate accountability.

FABAG also called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Trade, National Security, and border patrol units to dismantle smuggling cartels, as well as a review and adjustment of import taxes and tariffs to promote compliance and ensure a level playing field for all traders.

These concerns were outlined in a letter from FABAG to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which was also copied to the Finance Minister, the Minister of Trade and Industry and the National Security Coordinator.

In the letter, the association described smuggling as “economic sabotage,” warning that the continued influx of illicit rice and sugar could collapse the formal food import sector, harm local rice production, and erode vital government revenue.

FABAG noted that the significant duty differential between Ghana and neighboring countries remains a major incentive for traders to bypass official channels.

While legitimate businesses comply with tax regulations and provide employment, illicit traders continue to exploit cheaper duties abroad, intensifying unfair competition.

The association urged the government to act decisively to protect Ghana’s economy, safeguard public health, and secure the nation’s future.

FABAG reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure a fair, transparent, and accountable trade environment that benefits both national revenue and consumer safety.

 

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Margins Group, Korle Klottey Assembly Give Kinbu Triangle A Facelift

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admin
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Margin and Assembly officials cutting the tape to signify commencement of work

Margins ID Group has partnered with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) to redevelop the Kinbu Triangle, one of Central Accra’s busiest intersections, as part of the company’s 35th anniversary celebration.

The project, fully financed by Margins, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitments, will introduce new greenery, safer pedestrian routes and renewable-energy lighting to ease congestion and reduce rising urban temperatures.

The handover of the site was formalised on November 17, 2025 when the Municipal Chief Executive of KoKMA, Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, officially transferred responsibility for the redevelopment to Margins.

The MCE said the professionalism and strong presentation delivered by the youthful Margins team played a significant role in the Assembly’s decision to partner with the company.

He explained that several open and green spaces across the municipality require rehabilitation, noting that neglected areas quickly attract hawkers, create disorder and become difficult to reclaim.

He described the initiative as a timely intervention that supports efforts to restore Accra’s image as a modern and well-organised capital city.

“We are happy to have you as partners and look forward to working with you,” he said.

Margins Group and officials of the assembly in a group photograph

Founder and CEO of Margins, Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr. said the project reflects the creativity and leadership needed to address local urban challenges.

“We are all part of government and citizens must also play a role in finding solutions,” he noted. Adding “These solutions are not always financial; sometimes they require vision and partnerships with those who share a mutual interest in national development.”

Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr. commended the Assembly for recognising the problem and engaging suitable partners to deliver a sustainable solution.

He said such collaboration is essential to addressing Ghana’s broader development challenges by combining the resilience of the private sector with public-sector leadership.

He highlighted Margins’ experience in public-private partnerships, citing the Ghana Card project as a strong example of the benefits of aligning public mandates with private expertise.

“We’ve walked past this area many times, wondering why it had become occupied and neglected.

“Your vision, coupled with our partnership, can transform this barren space into a landmark. All it takes is leadership and clarity of purpose,” he said.

The Founder and CEO of Margins reaffirmed Margins’ commitment to “lighting up the triangle” and ensuring the redevelopment becomes a model for similar initiatives nationwide.

“This partnership reflects our belief that responsible companies must contribute to the communities they operate in. Ghana has the talent and capacity; we simply need to work together,” he stated.

The redevelopment forms part of Margins ID Group’s wider Sustainable Development Goals programme, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The upgraded Kinbu Triangle is intended both as a public benefit and as a symbolic milestone marking the Group’s 35 years of service.

Margins ID Systems Applications Limited, the Group’s technology arm, will lead implementation and provide annual maintenance to keep the space functional and well-preserved.

Architect for the project, Ama Ogbugo of Slate Urban Design, said the aim is to create a sustainable, visually appealing and iconic destination that meets SDG standards. The design team aims to complete the redevelopment by Christmas and will work closely with Parks and Gardens and KoKMA to address any challenges that arise.

The project responds to concerns about heat, air quality and pedestrian safety along a commercial corridor linking major roads and office complexes.

The redesign will introduce climate-resilient landscaping, defined walkways and improved crossings to create a cooler, safer and more accessible environment.

The redesigned Kinbu Triangle will feature solar lighting powered by 300-watt panels, defined walkways, decorative kerbs, protective fencing, ornamental plants and a central sculptural installation.

 

 

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Government restricts Raw Rubber exports to boost local processing –stakeholders happy

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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A rubber tree

The long-running call by stakeholders in the Ghana’s rubber sector for a curb on raw rubber exports has finally gained traction, as the government, in its 2026 Budget Statement, announced a decisive move to restrict the export of unprocessed rubber until domestic supply becomes sufficient.

The policy, hailed by industry players as a timely intervention, is expected to boost local processing capacity and stem the persistent shortage of feedstock that has crippled factories for years.

Paragraph 1028 of the budget statement as read by the Finance Minister, Casiel Ato Forson, is clear that government meant business to restrict raw rubber.

The Minister in the budget stated clearly that-to strengthen local manufacturing, exports of non-ferrous scrap metals and raw rubber will be restricted under the Feed the Industry Programme.

This will channel raw materials to domestic processors, support component manufacturing and build stronger value chains in metals and rubber based industries.

Mr Speaker, “our vision is clear, a Ghana that produce more than it consumes, a Ghana that exports value-added goods not raw materials amongst others,” he said.

This bold policy as announced by government appears to have calmed down nerves of stakeholders in the rubber sector who have been pushing for a complete restriction in the export of raw rubber.

Stakeholders such as a former Secretary General of the Ghana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Chief Executive Officer of Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Omanhene of Lower Dixcove, Nana Kwesi Agyemang, including the Western Regional Minister have been pushing for a ban on raw rubber export.

The stakeholders argue to it did not make sense to export raw rubber when local industries, for instance Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) did not have enough rubber to process.

GREL for instance has to cut down its shift system because of lack of raw rubber to process.

With government bold decision to restrict raw rubber export next year, rubber processors have hailed government decision on that.

Meanwhile, the Rubber Processors Association of Ghana (RUPAG) has in a press statement applauded the Government of Ghana for what it describes as a bold and timely intervention to safeguard the domestic rubber industry, following the announcement in the 2026 Budget to restrict the export of raw rubber (cuplumps).

The policy is intended to curb the rising export of unprocessed rubber — a trend RUPAG says has severely starved local factories of raw materials over the past decade.

According to the Association, raw rubber exports reached unprecedented levels in the last four years, spreading across all rubber-growing regions and draining critical inputs required for domestic processing.

This, they noted, weakened factory operations, triggered job losses, threatened outgrower financing schemes, and contributed to significant foreign-exchange leakages.

RUPAG described the new policy direction as “a critical and timely intervention” that realigns the natural rubber value chain with Ghana’s long-term industrialisation agenda.

Turning Point for the Industry

The Association emphasized that the restriction on raw rubber exports signals government’s responsiveness to long-standing concerns from stakeholders and marks a major turning point in efforts to strengthen value addition within the sector.

“With stable access to raw materials, domestic factories can operate at higher capacity,” RUPAG stated, adding that the move would boost Ghana’s economic gains through improved processing, foreign exchange retention and enhanced tax revenue.

Projected National Benefits

RUPAG highlighted several key outcomes expected from the policy, including: Stabilized supply of raw materials for local processors, Restoration of factory utilization and protection of industry investments, support for repayment of over GH¢650 million in outgrower loans, protection of more than 70,000 rural livelihoods across the rubber value chain, increased foreign exchange retention, support for the 24-Hour Economy and broader industrial transformation agenda.

Commitment to Production Expansion

The Association also pledged full collaboration with the government to ensure smooth implementation of the directive.

RUPAG revealed plans for an ambitious programme to increase national rubber production from 100,000 tonnes of dry rubber to 250,000 tonnes by 2035.

Key elements of the programme include;

 

Planting 10,000 hectares annually using subsidised high-yielding materials, strengthening budwood gardens and nursery systems, enhanced extension services and technical support,

promotion of sustainable farm management practices and improved farmer incomes through carbon credits and EUDR compliance premiums.

RUPAG said the initiative would secure long-term raw material supply, uplift rural incomes and cement Ghana’s position as a competitive global producer.

Describing the policy as historic, the Association commended government’s resolve to protect the future of the industry and rural livelihoods.

“This decision strengthens national economic resilience and propels Ghana’s industrialization drive,” RUPAG said, adding that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

 

 

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Newmont pays GH¢2.388bn in taxes, royalties, levies to Government

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Danquah Addo-Yobo, Country Manager for Newmont Ghana

Newmont has paid GH₵ 2.388 billion in taxes, royalties, levies, and carried interest to the Government of Ghana for the third quarter of 2025. These payments were made through the respective government agencies, including the Ghana Revenue Authority, Forestry Commission, and the Ministry of Finance.

The third quarter payment includes Corporate Tax of GH₵1.192 billion, Capital Gains Tax of GH₵511 million, Minerals Royalty of GH₵309 million, Carried Interest of GH₵234, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax of GH₵75 million, and Withholding Tax of GH₵67 million.

This brings Newmont’s year-to-date fiscal payments (from January to September 2025), to GH₵ 9.874 billion, reaffirming the company’s consistent contribution to Ghana’s fiscal and economic development.

“These payments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to honouring our tax and other obligations to the state, as well as to our local communities.

“By paying our fair share of taxes and disclosing these payments, we help to promote transparency and good governance”, said Danquah Addo-Yobo, Country Manager for Newmont’s Ghana operations.

Newmont is one of Ghana’s leading taxpayers and a key contributor to national development through tax payments, employment creation, local procurement, and community investment.

With the official opening of the company’s Ahafo North mine in October this year, which is expected to deliver between 275, 000 to 325,000 ounces of gold annually, Newmont will increase its production footprint in Ghana, along with increased contribution to Ghana’s economy.

 

 

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Jama Paramount chief calls for peace, unity among MO chiefs for development 

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Naa Lanjagor Karley II - Paramount Chief of Jama Traditional area at a durbar of chiefs

The Paramount Chief of Jama Traditional area, Naa Lanjagor Karley II, has the stressed the importance of peace and unity to foster development and progress and called on colleague chiefs to work for peace to prevail in their areas.

“Peace is paramount, without peace and unity there can be no meaningful development and progress”, Naa Karley, known in private life as Professor Noah Kofi Karley, who doubles as the President of the four MO Traditional areas in Savana, Bono and Bono East regions emphasised when he met the media at his palace at Jama.

He said the four Traditional areas, which could be found in Savana (Jama and Bamboi Traditional  areas), Bono East (New Longoro stretching to Kintampo) and Branam on Wenchi to Bamboi road, (Bono Region) are lacking behind development and social amenities.

According to him, the coming together of the four prominent Paramount chiefs to fight against poverty and hardships of their peoples is timely and must be sustained.

He suggested that the chiefs must embark on an education of their people on the need to see themselves as one people and unite for the purpose of developing their areas and improve the lot of their peoples.

Naa Karley called on all MO citizens home and abroad to join hands with the Chiefs and people of MO to champion the desired development of Mo. The Jama Paramount chief appealed to the youth to be law abiding and desist from all social vices and forge ahead for a secured future.

From Oswald P. Freiku, Jama

Serve with Integrity -Rock Bible Institute Charges Graduates

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admin
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The Dean of the Rock Bible Institute, Rev. Israel Mawunu, has urged newly ordained ministers to uphold integrity and commit themselves to genuine kingdom service as they step into their various callings.

Speaking at the 2024/2025 Graduation and 7th Ordination Service of the institute, held at the Agape Power Ministry  in Accra ,under the theme “Raising Kingdom Impactors,” Rev. Mawunu said the school was established to raise men and women who would make lasting impact in the body of Christ and in society.

He stressed that the institute prioritises “quality, not quantity,” explaining that its mission is to train dedicated ministers,not those who see the pulpit as a money-making platform.

“The years have been eventful, with those who pass through this school shaping destinies and impacting communities,” he said. “To the graduates, you are sent as ambassadors to bring light to society. Let your life be a testimony of the life of God at work in you.”

Charging the class, he added: “Go forth and make impact in the kingdom of Christ, raising kingdom impactors with integrity.”

This year’s graduates were Pastor Alberta Tawiah, Michael Asare, Pastor Philip Adjei, and Pastor Sampson Boadu.

Start with the Word — Rev Chris Anim

Founder and Head Pastor of the Agape Power Ministry, Rev. Chris Anim, delivered the exhortation, drawing his message from John 6:28. He reminded the ministers that the work of God does not begin with outward activities such as preaching, but with deep devotion to Scripture.

“Start with the study of the Word of the Lord and let the Word mould you to teach,” he said.

Rev. Anim described ministry as both “an honourable job and a dangerous one,” insisting that God must be served with reverence and obedience.

“God cannot be served anyhow. If you will not do it His way, keep away,” he cautioned.

He urged the graduates to guard their faith diligently, warning that “the man behind the pulpit is sending many to hell more than sinners.” He advised them not to rush into activities for God, but to first sit, study, and grow in the Word.

“People’s destinies will be in your hands. Don’t rush to do anything for God ,sit and study the Word,” he emphasised.

The ceremony drew family, clergy and worshippers who celebrated the new ministers as they prepared to enter service.

Akropponghene, 6 others cited for contempt of court

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Nana Appiah Sarfo Kantanka, Chief of Akropong – 2nd respondent

A motion on notice has been field before a Kumasi High Court seeking an order to commit Nana Appiah Sarfo Kantanka, chief of Akropong Ashanti, Nana Ampofo Twumasi, caretaker chief (Odikro) of Dwenewoho community and five others for contempt of court.

The court will be moved on December 18, 2025 to determine the motion and fate of the respondents.

The application filed by James Asamoah, Esq. for the plaintiffs was on the premises of an affidavit in support by Albert Osei Banahene, third plaintiff and deponent.

The action follows an order of the Mankranso District Court on December 20, 2023.

The Court, presided over by Her Worship Juliana Milicent Ocran ordered that the defendants in a suit, their assigns, agents be restrained from undertaking any form of activities or any development, or cultivating any new or alienating any part of the land in dispute, till the final determination of the suit.

Yaw Sarfo, Akosua Dufie and Albert Osei-Banahene, Head of the Aduana Family (the plaintiffs) had sued the defendants for declaration of title to and ownership of all parcels of land in dispute situated between Akropong and Kunsu.

Nana AmpofoTwumasi – Odikro of Dwenewoho, 4th respondent

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for trespass, recovery of possession and perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants, their assigns and agents from interfering with the title, ownership and possession of Aduana Royal family of Yabi that acquired the said land from the then chief of Akropong, Nana Kwabena Sarfo in 1925.

The court heard that the first defendant was undertaking illegal mining on the land while the substantive case was pending before the court.

As a result, the plaintiffs filed a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction to restrain the defendants and their agents from undertaking any illegal mining activities on the land in dispute.

They claimed the illegal mining activities on the land by the second defendant and the use of heavy earth moving machines including excavators had caused waste to the disputed land and impacted negatively on the vegetation.

The plaintiffs argued that the vegetation of the land had been destroyed by the intrusion and galamsey activities of the defendants and that unless the Court restrained the defendants the entire land would be destroyed by the time the case is determined.

According to the plaintiffs, they had suffered loss and damages from the wrong act of the defendants and that the intervention of the Court was needed to preserve their property from further destruction by the defendants through illegal mining.

They argued that if the defendants are allowed to undertake illegal mining on said land and the case is determined in their favour, they would have no land to take hence the need to restrain the defendants till the final determination of the case.

The plaintiffs also argued that if the defendants are allowed to undertake illegal mining and they (plaintiffs) win the case, the damage cannot be compensated in monetary terms.

The defendants, however, contended that the plaintiffs do not have the requisite capacity to initiate the action against them.

They also claimed that the Akropong Stool had been granted the land since 1958.

Guided by Order 13(1) of the District Court Rules, 2009, the Court upheld the application of the plaintiffs on the grounds that they (plaintiffs) had legal or equitable rights in the disputed land which, if not protected by the court, will cause irreparable damage to them.

The court, therefore, deemed the grant of an injunction as just and convenient and accordingly granted the application for injunction to restrain the defendants until the final determination of the case by the court.

However, the defendants are said to have flouted the December 20, 2023 court order.

In an affidavit in support of the motion on notice filed on October 31, 2025, the plaintiffs stated that despite sufficient awareness of the legal consequences of the restraining order, the respondents have since been using earth moving machines to clear the land indispute in order to demarcate for sale to prospective developers while allocating portion of the land to some people to undertake illegal mining on the land.

The plaintiffs argued that the conduct of the respondents in disregarding, disobeying and disrespecting the express orders must be punished.

They said any defiance of court order by a litigant is likely to cast dark clouds on the administration of justice and subjects the court to public ridicule and contempt hence the need to punish the respondents to serve as a deterrent to like-minded persons.

 

 

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High Court findsDaboasechieftaincy Faction Leaders guilty of Contempt

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Obaahema Animaah II, Ag Queenmother of Daboase

The High Court in Tarkwa has convicted five persons for contempt of court, after finding that they defied ongoing legal processes by outdooring a chief and queen mother for Daboase, while a chieftaincy case was still pending.
Her Ladyship Justice Mercy Adei Kotei, delivering a detailed ruling on Thursday, September 11, 2025 held that the respondents; Kweku Ekye, Tawiah Kakrabekaw, John Armoh, Florence Arkoh and SafoheneAhenakwa, wilfully engaged in acts that undermined the authority of the WassaFiase Traditional Council (WFTC) and the administration of justice.
The court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on each contemnor, with a default sentence of 30 days’ imprisonment.

A bench warrant was also issued for the arrest of the 1st respondent, who was absent in court.
Outdooring Ceremony Held Despite Pending Suit
The case was initiated on September 27, 2023 when the applicants; Obaahema Nana AmaAnimaa (later substituted by Kate Kwaw), Ebusuapanyin Cobbina and Ebusuapanyin Kofi sued before the WFTC to restrain the respondents and others from installing or presenting any individual as chief or queen mother of Daboase.
On the same day, the applicants also filed for an interlocutory injunction seeking to halt any such installations until the substantive matter was determined.
Although the respondents were duly served, the court found that, on March 1, 2024 they led a public procession and outdoored the 3rd and 4th respondents as chief and queen mother of Daboase.

Photographs and video recordings tendered in evidence captured the ceremony, including the presence of police personnel.
The applicants argued that the respondents’ actions amounted to a deliberate affront to the authority of the WFTC and an attempt to prejudice ongoing litigation.

Respondents Insist Ceremony Occurred Earlier
In opposing the contempt application, the respondents claimed the installation took place earlier on September 24, 2023 before the suit was filed. They tendered a police notification letter and a charge sheet relating to that earlier ceremony.
But the court rejected the explanation.

Justice AdeiKotei noted that: The digital details on video evidence clearly showed the recording was made on March 1, 2024 and that Police presence seen in the March 1 footage did not match the September 2023 event, where no police were officially informed or present.
The court also noted that the respondents did not dispute being participants in the event captured in the exhibits.

The judge concluded that the outdooring indeed took place during the pendency of the case and in direct disregard for the justice system.

Capacity Challenge Dismissed
The respondents also questioned the capacity of the substituted 1st applicant, arguing that the original applicant had been absent from public view for years and was believed dead.
However, the court noted that the original applicant died on June 15, 2024, with a mortuary chit and interrogatory answers confirming the date.

The substitute applicant acted under the deceased’s authority, and no challenge had been raised earlier before the WFTC.

The court also noted that a Power of Attorney was not a mandatory requirement for her substitution.
Justice Adei Kotei, therefore, upheld her capacity and proceeded to determine the contempt application on its merits.
Conduct Described as “Grave”
In concluding, the court stated that the respondents’ actions were intentional and aimed at undermining lawful processes.
“The Respondents intentionally engaged in conduct that tended to bring the administration of the law into disregard and disrepute,” the judge ruled.

They were accordingly convicted and sentenced, with the court signalling strong disapproval of acts that interfere with pending judicial or traditional adjudications.

 

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Minority Opposes GH¢10m Tax Waiver for TATA; Cites Principles

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Annoh Dompreh, minority chief whip

The majority in Parliament has used its numbers to grant a GH¢10.46m tax exemption to Tata Consultancy Services Limited, an Indian IT company, as their colleagues on the other side opposed the motion.

According to the minority, their disagreement stems from principles, given that just last year, the now majority opposed a similar move by the now minority for some companies under the 1D1F.

At the time, the then minority, now in the majority, particularly led by the current Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, argued that tax waivers to those companies would have serious fiscal implications for the country.

The minority was thus surprised that the group that vehemently opposed a similar decision and ensured it did not hold is ironically doing the same.

OPPOSE

The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, spoke for the record that the decision was solely by the majority, with his side dissenting, a position they made clear at the committee level.

“Speaker, let the record reflect that the same was discussed at the committee and that it was a majority decision.

“And our dissenting view is premised on principle. Speaker, last year, I witnessed the passion with which he (the Finance Minister, as the minority leader then) spoke against exemption generally.

“And even at the point when we’re bringing exemptions that were related to 1D1F, with the intention of creating jobs, our friends held the red flag and it was all over the country. I don’t know what has changed. We are opposed.”

He continued that, “We want to appeal to our colleagues. They should stay on principle. He had expressed his principle last year when he was then minority leader; now he’s finance minister. One would have thought that he’s empowered to ensure that his principle that he believed in will be put into force.

“Now he is picking and choosing. When it is about TATA, he is bringing the exemption. When it is about something else, we hear a different story. It is disappointing.”

MINISTER

Wrapping up debate on the motion, the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, gave the chronology of events leading to the tax waiver. He stated that the previous government had signed a contract granting a 20% tax waiver. He indicated that though he did not sign the deal, he was in Parliament “to ensure that the right thing is done. I am cleaning your mess.”

Finance minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

The minister said the previous government failed to present the deal to Parliament, though TATA is a foreign company, a reason he had to take the step to right the wrong.

“Mr. Speaker, apart from that, for this tax obligation, the Ministry of Finance cannot sit at the office and approve it because if you look at the wording in the addendum, it further states that the GRA shall be responsible and do all such acts required for obtaining such approvals from the Parliament of Ghana. And immediately notify TATA Consultancy Services of such approval. Mr Speaker, I’m only doing my work. I’m only doing what I have been asked to do. Mr Speaker, I thought my colleague would rather applaud me.”

RENEGOTIATION

Dr Ato Forson mentioned the outcome of the renegotiation, saying that he has been able to reduce the cost of software and related items from $25.3 million to $20 million, saving $5.3 million on one line alone.

He also noted that the downwards hardware and related items have been reduced from $15 million to $13.7 million, saving the government over $9 million.

The ITAS software, the minister told Parliament, has been endorsed by the IMF, which says that “it is good software that will work for the people of Ghana.”

Meanwhile, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson denied the claim that his position on tax is “unwavering”, and “everyone knows my views about tax exemption,” insisting that he was doing the job started by the previous government.

OBLIGATION

On May 28, 2024, the GRA signed a contract with Tata Consultancy Services Limited, but the process, whose competitive bidding was done in January of the same year, was cancelled.

On November 4, 2024 an addendum signed by TATA Consultancy Services Limited and GRA included the 20% withholding tax exemption from January 1, 2025 till the end date.

ITAS will provide a 360-degree view of taxpayers’ obligations and interactions to enable risk-based compliance management, timely enforcement and targeted taxpayer support, [for] the domestic tax administration system with existing customs platforms, such as ICOMS.

It will also integrate with the registrar of companies for GRA to be able to know who is behind every single transaction.

China suspends Japanese film releases amid diplomatic row over Taiwan

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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0
China suspends Japanese films

Chinese film distributors have suspended the release of two Japanese anime films amid an escalating diplomatic row over Taiwan.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: SuperHot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers and Cells at Work! will not be screened in mainland China as originally scheduled, Chinese state-run broadcaster CCTV said on Tuesday.

The move comes as relations between Tokyo and Beijing are at their lowest ebb in years following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s suggestion that Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attempted to take control of Taiwan.

CCTV said distributors made the “prudent” decision to postpone the releases in view of the overall market performance of Japanese films and “Chinese audience sentiment”.

Film distributors reported that Takaichi’s “provocative remarks” would inevitably affect Chinese audience perceptions of Japanese cinema, CCTV said, adding that the companies would follow “market principles and respect audience preferences” by delaying the releases.

Naoise McDonagh, an expert in economic coercion at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, said the postponements followed a well-worn playbook in Chinese statecraft.

“China is usually careful to target trade that is non-essential for China, but which will impact Japanese firms, creating both financial costs and symbolic pressure,” McDonagh told Al Jazeera.

Such incidents allow Beijing to signal that parties who act against its interests will face costs, “providing China some degree of influence on other governmental decision-making processes that impact China’s red line,” McDonagh said.

The delayed film releases follow a series of retaliatory moves by Beijing in response to Takaichi’s comments, including an advisory warning its citizens against travel to Japan and the deployment of warships to waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands.

Japan on Monday issued its own travel advisory for China, warning its citizens to respect local customs, avoid crowded places and exercise caution in their interactions with Chinese people.

Credit: Aljazeera.com

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