Ministry Of Trade And Industry Says Ghana Cannot Unilaterally Suspend ECOWAS External Tariff

The Ministry of Trade and Industry says it cannot suspend the ECOWAS External tarrif introduced by the sub-regional body to ensure uniformity in the tax regime among its members. 

In an interview with Radio Ghana to react to calls by GUTA for the Ministry to suspend the introduction of the Tarrif, Deputy PRO of the Ministry, Nasir Ahmed Yartey said the introduction of the tax was done collectively, so Ghana cannot unilaterally suspend it. 

Meanwhile, a Lecturer in Economics at the University of Cape Coast, Dr John Gatsi, says the Ghana Union Traders Association, Importers and Exporters and other trade groups as well as public servants should exercise restraint and dialogue dispassionately with Government to avoid budget over- run in this election year. 

He told Radio Ghana that even if there are cases of double taxation, strikes or demonstrations are not the solution.  Channels for redress are there for the concerned groups to use. 

Reacting to the ultimatum by GUTA, and the Importers and Exporters, a Labour expert Austin Gamey said it beats his imagination that the various associations seem to be coercing government to give in to their demands. 

Mr Gamey said the recognised bodies could have approached the Ministry of Trade and Industry for explanations if they feel their businesses were being negatively affected. 

He told Radio Ghana that Ghana is a member of ECOWAS therefore it is wrong for GUTA to call a news conference and issue threats for the ECOWAS tax which was unanimously fixed to be scrapped. 

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, President of GUTA, George Ofori, said the implementation of the Ecowas Common External Tariffs, CET, will render traders bankrupt and therefore called on Parliament to revise the new tariff to save their businesses.

The implementation of the Common External Tariff took effect on Monday, February 1, 2016.


GBC