Some traders within the Central Business District of Kumasi have shut down their shops in protest against tax increases imposed on them by the government.
The traders are also kicking against plans by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to deploy their officers at each shop to record Value Added Tax (VAT) on items on sale.
Red bands were tied on some of the shops when Asaase News visited the Pampaso and the PZ area. “The shop owners some of whom sell groceries, wore red bands and black outfits to register about killer taxes which has worsened their plight in recent times. They are outraged over the depreciating cedi and VAT disputes”, reports our correspondent.
There are a lot of business groups in that area but it is not clear which one was leading this protest, it is gathered.
Some of the traders could not hide their frustrations.
“We want to let them know that the VAT that they are trying to push to us, some are even already imported, they are paying it at the port and you tell them that they should pay it again, then definitely our items are going to be on the high increase, which wouldn’t be prudent for us.”
“The Ministry of Finance should let us sit down, let’s find the best solution so that we can all pay the taxes as we ought to pay, not because you have implemented it so everybody has to pay it as it is,” said Appiagyei, a shop owner at Adum.
The traders say they will continue to pile pressure on the government until their concerns are addressed for the taxes to be reduced.
Some shoppers who had travelled from outside Kumasi to make purchases were left disappointed and frustrated by the turn of events.
“I came all the way from Mpasaaso in the Brong Ahafo region. I came here to retail provisions. Now that the shops are closed, how will I survive today? I am a single mother. I do not know what to do now. I can’t think straight,” she said.
Rita Lomotey adds “I came from Sunyani this morning. The transport fare is costly. When I come here, I will need the services of a ‘kayaye’.
“The prices of goods are also up every day. People hardly buy from me now. They say my products are costly. Can I survive at all?”
There are ongoing negotiations between the leadership of the traders and the government.
They warn of a possible demonstration if their pleas are not heeded.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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