Civil Society Should Rise Against Gov't... - Economist

Shaft Boamah, an economist and tax expert, has challenged all civil society groups in the country to rise against the government over too much taxes being introduced in the country.

Although he is up for taxes because government will need to raise money for development projects but he says the taxes that have been collected are not being prudently used by government and so there is no need to overburden the citizens anymore.

Government late last year introduced a controversial one per cent tax on all profits on investment. The policy received widespread criticisms which forced government to make a u-turn.

The government has since written to Parliament for a review of the act which should withdraw the controversial 1 percent
tax on investment.

Despite the imminent withdrawal, there are new taxes introduced by the government to rake in more revenue for government.

There is the 20 per cent on fees, allowances paid to board members, trustees and resident directors or managers.

A special ten per cent is being charged on fees paid to lecturers, examiners, invigilators, part time teachers and endorsement fees.

Sales persons, insurance agents, lotto agents, will have commissions taxed by ten per cent taxed as well.

Speaking in an interview with Ekourba Gyasi, host of TOP FM’s morning show “YƐn NsƐmpa” on Tuesday, Shaft Boamah said it was clear that government will not listen to the cry of the people to reduce the taxes and so civil society groups must rise against government on behalf of the suffering Ghanaian.

“Gov't has not been prudent in the use of taxes that have been collected from the people and so there is no need to overburden the citizens with additional taxes,” he said.