By King Amoah
In a striking assessment of the economic landscape in Ghana, renowned business executive Mr. Alhassan Andani has amplified concerns regarding the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), asserting that its taxing practices are a significant catalyst for the alarming rate of business collapses in the country.
During an afternoon news bulletin aired on Agyenkwa 91.1, a local radio station in Kumasi, and monitored by King Amoah, our Ashanti regional correspondent, Mr. Andani highlighted the challenges entrepreneurs face amidst a climate of increasing and often excessive taxation.
According to Mr. Andani, the GRA has introduced an overwhelming 33 distinct tax policies that entrepreneurs are required to navigate, characterizing this as a relentless barrage that can often feel like harassment.
He noted that these stringent tax measures are not only burdensome but pose a severe threat to the vitality of the business community in Ghana.
“We are witnessing an environment where even before a new business can properly establish itself, GRA officials are already knocking at the door, demanding taxes,” Mr. Andani lamented.
He pointed out that many new ventures are subjected to these tax demands before they have had a chance to fully operate and generate revenue. This premature taxation, he argues, is stifling innovation and discouraging entrepreneurial spirit.
Moreover, Mr. Andani questioned the motive behind such aggressive tax collection methods, highlighting the lack of government-supported businesses designed to bolster the economy.
“Why is there such harassment and relentless chasing of entrepreneurs when the government itself is not stepping up to establish companies that can uplift the economic front?” he asked.
His comments resonate with a broader frustration among the business community that feels neglected by a system that seems to prioritize revenue collection over the fostering of a conducive environment for growth and development.
In an unabashed critique, Mr. Andani went so far as to label the GRA a “terror organization” in the context of its interactions with the private sector. His bold statements reflect a growing sentiment among many entrepreneurs who feel that the tax policies in place are undermining their efforts and ultimately stunting national development.
In conclusion, while taxes are an essential component of national revenue, the approach taken by the Ghana Revenue Authority must be scrutinized and, if necessary, reformed.
