The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) have issued a statement regarding the recent comment made by the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the indiscriminate collection of taxes by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) from businesses.

IEAG criticized the vice president and termed his actions as ‘quite surprising and worrying’ for not addressing this concern over the years despite several petitions from industry players.

The group is wondering why he is suddenly showing concern now.

 ”It is quite worrying and surprising to hear the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, coming out now to voice such concerns that have existed for several years with little or no attempt from his good office to address them despite several petitions from industry players.” IEAG stated.

According to the release issued by the Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki, on Monday, 25 March 2024, Dr Bawumia’s recent stand is a “populist attempt to redeem his image in the eyes of the business community”.

IEAG further bemoaned the vice president for the fact that “he as a Vice president kept mute on this issue among other issues for the past 6 years failing to prompt the Ghana Revenue Authority on the need to change their modus of tax collection which has forced many businesses out of the country.”

The release also revealed that due to the ‘constant harassment’ by the GRA and the introduction of numerous ‘nuisance;’ taxes by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led administration have negatively impacted businesses. This led to an alarming trend of businesses relocating from Ghana to neighboring Ivory Coast and Togo

IEAG is entreating Dr. Bawumia to talk about what prevented him from “speaking against these bad practices by the GRA and as well the introduction of unreasonable taxes that have affected goods and services in the past 7 years.”

“Is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia now speaking on these matters because he wants power from the very people he betrayed when he promised to move the country from taxation to production? Has he now found his voice because elections are near and has to do something to improve his chances of becoming the next president?” IEAG questioned

IEAG finally stated that they were not going to be fooled again by Dr. Bawumia and “the likes” and will also assess them based on their actions and not empty campaign messages that never materialize.”