Ghana’s import duty and tax exemption regime is set to see some changes as part of measures to ease doing business in the country.
The council of state has met all relevant stakeholders and presented its recommendation to President Akufo-Addo.
Akufo-Addo expressed concern about complaints from importers and exporters about the state of high duties last year and tasked the council of state to look into how to ease the burden.
President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have spoken about recommendations from lobby groups for a slash or scrap tax duties.
Addressing the President at the opening session of the meeting, Council of state Chairman, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, said “current issues which have engaged the Council’s attention and are under its active consideration and on which it wishes to dialogue with you are the results of a series of meetings held with relevant stakeholders over high rates of duties, levies and taxes on imported goods at Ghana’s ports of entry and the large volumes of tax exemptions”.
“The findings from these engagements, together with our conclusions and recommendations, will be discussed with you in the closed door session” Nana Siriboe II said.
He congratulated the President on what the Council says are major achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration in the year 2019.
“Being our first meeting of the year and considering the number of important things which have transpired since our last meeting on August 8, 2018, let me take this opportunity to congratulate Your Excellency on the historic achievements you and your Government have made especially since the beginning of the year, 2019, in fulfillment of electoral promises you made in 2016,” the chairman said.
He further noted that “in their order of chronology, Mr. President, you have achieved the following important milestones, among others: Reopening of the Obuasi Mines, Restoration of peace in Dagbon and the installation of a new Ya-Na, Creation and inauguration of six new regions and the appointment of Regional Ministers and their Deputies. On these important achievements, Mr. President, the Council says: Ayekoo! Well done”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM