The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has warned that it will resist any tax reforms announced in the upcoming mid-year budget review that do not align with the interests of its members.
The Association says it is disappointed by the government’s failure to consult key players in the shipping and trade sectors, despite earlier promises of stakeholder engagement.
Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of transparency from the Ministry of Finance. He claims that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson had committed to dialogue with the industry ahead of the review but has yet to follow through.
“We have not been invited to any discussions or take part in any decision making, yet decisions are being made that directly affect our operations,” Awingobit told 3Business on July 22.
“We will resist any tax reforms that are introduced without proper consultation and do not meet our expectations,” he warned.
The mid-year budget review is expected to be presented to Parliament in the coming days, with several industry players anticipating adjustments to revenue measures, including port charges and import duties.
Trade groups have consistently called for broader consultations to ensure that policy decisions reflect economic realities on the ground, particularly as businesses continue to recover from post-pandemic disruptions and global supply chain challenges.
