Tema-Ghana, Oct. 30, – Mr. Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) on Monday reiterated calls for a comprehensive review of nuisance taxes in Ghana, especially excise charges on the beverage industry, ahead of the 2024 budget statement and economic policy to prioritise employment development.
Mr. Koomson emphasised that these burdensome taxes have unfairly burdened hardworking Ghanaians and the smooth functioning of businesses, hindered corporate expansion, and retarded economic progress.
He asserts that in order to address these problems and foster an environment that is more advantageous for both employees and businesses, the government must take immediate action.
Mr. Koomson at a press conference in Tema stated that it is urgently necessary to examine excise taxes and nuisance levies.
“The growth and competitiveness of local enterprises have been hampered by these levies, which are sometimes disproportionate and unnecessary. This has limited investment, innovation, and job creation.
“The load they place on companies is harmful to their viability and capacity to support Ghana’s economic growth,” he stated.
The GFL secretary general declared that it is past time for the government to acknowledge the unfavourable effects of these charges and take prompt action to address them.
He pointed out that “Ghanaian workers have borne the brunt of these taxes, with their disposable income significantly reduced, limiting their ability to meet their basic needs and provide for their families.”
He underlined how important it is to recognise the negative effects these annoyance taxes have on employees.
According to Mr. Koomson, eliminating these taxes will benefit workers monetarily and strengthen the economy by increasing their purchasing power, which will increase consumer spending and encourage business growth.
During his contribution to the discussion, GFL President Mr. Caleb Nartey urged the government to make the modification of these annoying charges a high priority in the 2024 budget.
He noted that the GFL and other trade associations insist on a review being conducted in cooperation with stakeholders, including labour unions, businesses, and subject-matter experts, to ensure that the outcome is just, equitable, and supportive of ongoing economic growth.
Mr Nartey highlighted that the government must seize this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of employees and businesses by passing tax reforms that promote a conducive business climate and increase the standard of living for all Ghanaians.
“Every Ghanaian is urged to join us in endorsing the reexamination of nuisance taxes. We all need to voice our support for a fair and just tax system that encourages investment, accelerates economic growth, and improves everyone’s quality of life,” he said.
The president of the GFL said, “Together, we can create a Ghana where businesses thrive, workers prosper, and the economy flourishes.”
Mr. Nartey reaffirmed the Federation of Labour’s resolve to maintain open lines of communication with the executive branch, business community, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the review of excise taxes and nuisance taxes receives top priority.
He stated, “We will keep fighting for a tax structure that promotes sustainable economic growth and improves the lives of Ghanaians, as well as the rights and interests of workers.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), and the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) have also called for a review of the “nusiance taxes in the 2024 Budget.”
GUTA has voiced its dissatisfaction and requested a review, claiming that these unpleasant and bothersome levies have placed an additional strain on the already struggling business community. The significance of examining the taxes has also been underlined by the IEAG.
