Traders, Artisans In Sunyani Embrace Bawumia's Flat Tax Rate, Tax Amnesty Policies

More members of the Ghanaian business community are openly embracing the tax reforms policy of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who has assured the populace he will implement if elected President.

These tax reforms are to boost local businesses.

Following his announcement to introduce new tax reforms comprising a flat rate tax and tax amnesty to businesses and individuals, a number of business associations including spare parts dealers, Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CIBA which is made up of over 20 business associations have endorsed this policy.

At Sunyani today, during engagements with traders and artisans, the group also welcomed Dr. Bawumia's proposals.

They narrated their ordeal in the hands of the tax collectors saying "we know we have to pay our taxes to help the country but often we do not understand how the taxes are calculated. They just bring us the bill and we are harassed to pay".

Another trader added; "They lock up our stores if we don't pay the high figures they quote for us and it is not good for our businesses, so what you are proposing will help us to understand what we have to pay."

Addressing the traders' situation, Vice President Bawumia stressed his commitment to implementing the tax reforms, stating "I know your plight and I am very committed to implementing the tax reforms I have proposed to help traders and the larger business community".

"There is no need for any confusion over payment of taxes. It should be simple, transparent and very competitive for businesses. This is why I am proposing a new tax system with a flat tax rate and tax amnesty for businesses and individuals so that we all start afresh", Dr. Bawumia emphasized.

Dr. Bawumia also reiterated his commitment to cancelling the E-Levy as well as pegging Ghana's import duties with that of Togo to ensure parity.

He noted this will avoid goods being offloaded at Togo ports and smuggled into Ghana due to lower import duties in Togo.

The NPP flagbearer appealed for support from the traders to become  Ghana's next President and have the opportunity to implement his progressive policies.

"Somebody has been President before and we all saw what he did. I have never been President before and as Vice President or the driver’s mate, I have contributed so much to the development of our country as I have mentioned them to you. So if you make me President, I will work even harder and implement all these policies I have shared with you to boost your businesses and move our country forward."