“Fulfil flat tax promise” – Suame spare parts dealers to Mahama
Spare parts dealers at Suame Magazine in Kumasi are urging the Mahama-led administration to implement a flat rate duty system at Ghana’s ports, describing it as a vital measure to ease the burden on importers and consumers.
Their appeal comes amid concerns that recent gains in the cedi’s value against the US dollar have not led to lower import duties. Traders say the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has failed to reflect the currency appreciation in port charges.
Speaking to Asaase Business on Tuesday (15 July), Secretary of the Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association, Godfred Baffoe Bonnie, expressed frustration over what he called a disconnect between macroeconomic progress and conditions on the ground.
“We were expecting duties at the ports to reflect the appreciation of the cedi, but we are still paying the same high rates,” he said. “During the campaign, the President promised a flat tax rate. We are appealing to him to fulfill that promise.”
Other concerns
He added that Ghana’s import duties remain significantly higher than those of neighbouring West African countries, making prices uncompetitive. Bonnie also raised concerns about harassment by taskforces on the roads after goods are cleared from the ports.
The group is calling on government to introduce the flat rate policy in the next budget to allow for uniform pricing and restore confidence among importers.
“Government called on us to reduce our prices but we are not seeing a reduction at the ports, so we are appealing to the President to intervene”, he said.
Source: Asaase Radio
