In a strong statement ahead of the upcoming mid-year budget review scheduled for Thursday, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has voiced its dissatisfaction with the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The association expressed concern over what they perceive as a neglect of inclusive stakeholder engagement in the government’s consultation process.
Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the IEAG, shared his frustrations during an interview with Class News, highlighting a significant lack of transparency leading up to the critical budget discussion. He recounted a recent meeting convened by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to address proposed reforms to the Value Added Tax (VAT), pointing out that several key trading bodies, including the IEAG, were notably excluded from these important conversations.
Awingobit recalled that Dr. Forson had previously assured stakeholders during the main budget presentation that there would be broad consultations before implementing any new tax measures, especially concerning the contentious VAT reforms. Yet, as the mid-year budget review approaches, he lamented that there has been no engagement or prior consultation with the Finance Minister.
“There has been no dialogue, and we do not expect anything new from the government. Our concerns were never solicited or heard,” Awingobit stated, urging the government to honor its commitments and ensure that all relevant stakeholders, particularly those directly impacted by tax policies, are adequately represented in such critical discussions.
He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and transparent policymaking processes. “Sustainable economic development hinges on the government’s willingness to listen to the voices of its economic partners,” Awingobit concluded, signaling the association’s resolve to continue advocating for a more inclusive approach to economic governance.
As the budget review looms, the IEAG remains vigilant, calling for accountability and collaboration in shaping the nation’s financial landscape.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
