A prominent Kumasi businessman has voiced serious concerns regarding the practices of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), alleging irregularities in their tax assessment processes.
Dr. Apostle Nana James Akwasi Oppong, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Jakwapo Group of Company, voiced his disappointment and suspicion over what he describes as unfair tax impositions.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Oppong expressed his understanding of the standard procedure, stating that GRA officials are traditionally expected to conduct physical assessments of businesses to determine their financial performance.
This process, he believes, allows for an accurate evaluation of turnover, which then informs the subsequent tax obligations.
However, Dr. Oppong alleges a deviation from this established protocol.
He claims that the GRA is now primarily utilizing telephone communication to impose taxes on business owners, bypassing the crucial step of on-site assessments.
This practice, he argues, raises serious questions about the legitimacy and accuracy of the tax demands.
“How do GRA officials arrive at these tax figures without even visiting the business premises to assess performance?” Dr. Oppong questioned, hinting at potential foul play and a lack of transparency in the assessment process.
The businessman further highlighted a particularly alarming situation involving one of his companies that have ceased operations eighteen years ago.
He expressed shock at receiving a substantial tax returns requesting for this defunct entity, further fueling his suspicions of inaccurate and potentially fraudulent assessments.
Dr. Oppong believes that these alleged irregularities are detrimental to the business community and the overall economic landscape.
He argues that such practices discourage entrepreneurs, whom he describes as the “tape root of economic development,” from operating and investing in Ghana.
“The GRA is discouraging businessmen and, and I for that matter, the private sector entrepreneurs,” he stated, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the nation’s economic growth.
Dr. Apostle Nana James Akwasi Oppong is demanding transparency and accountability from the Ghana Revenue Authority.
He is urging the GRA to clarify whether their tax assessment system has undergone changes, and if so, to inform the business community about the nature of these changes, their effective date, and the authority that endorsed them.
He insists on genuine business transactions and a fair, transparent tax system that fosters growth rather than hindering it.
