The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit has expressed his dissatisfaction with the 2024 budget.
According to him, the budget failed to address some concerns they raised in reviewing the current tax regime to bring some reliefs to their businesses.
Speaking to Citizen Kofi Owusu on Ahotor Fm’s super morning show, ‘Adekye Mu Nsem’, he indicated that, prices of products will continue to be high because government have not thought of giving solace to businesses.
Although some tax reliefs were granted, business groups say it is insignificant because it will positively impart just a handful of businesses.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta during his presentation of the 2024 budget statement in Parliament announced some measures to cushion businesses and Ghanaians in general.
Some reliefs prioritized by the government include the extension of the zero rates of VAT on locally manufactured African prints, sanitary pads and locally assembled vehicles, as well as waivers on import duties for electric vehicles and agricultural machinery.
Mr Awingobit said, they thought government will listen to their plea and cushion them but they are disappointed the budget didn’t address their concerns to reduce the pressure and stress they go through at the ports.
Nana Ama Nyamekye/Ahotoronline
