Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority Anthony Sarpong says the Authority is putting place measures to clamp down on smuggling of products from neighboring ECOWAS countries.
According to Anthony Sarpong, the ramifications of smuggling does not disrupt the economy but also contributes to fluctuating prices, undermines local businesses, and erodes public trust in regulatory systems.
These remarks were made during a courtesy call by Coca-Cola Managing Director Felix Gomis to the Commissioner of Customs and Commissioner General.
According to Coca-Cola Managing Director Mr Felix Gomis Over $700,000 which is about 150,000 crates of coca cola is smuggled from Nigeria into Ghana per month.
He added that a recent press report has exposed significant sugar and rice smuggling operations into Ghana from Togo, resulting in an estimated loss of 1.3 billion in taxes. The report reveals that smugglers are bringing in large quantities of sugar through Ghana’s borders, particularly from Togo, and selling it in local markets without paying taxes.
This illicit activity according to Mr.Gomis is negatively impacting Ghana’s economy and local businesses and communities.
‘’It contributes to fluctuating prices, undermines local businesses, and erodes public trust in regulatory systems”.
“This is key to calling the attention of the Ghana Revenue Authority for immediate action as expected against the companies involved”. He added
The GRA has therefore promised strict working strategies to combat smuggling by deploying special personnel to check on its officers and intercept smuggled goods.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Obed King Gaglo
