The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has censured the government for not considering the input of the business community in developing the 2024 budget.
Citing the government’s unwillingness to remove the 1% COVID-19 levy and other “nuisance” taxes, the association, in a statement on Monday, November 20, 2023, criticised the government for not giving its members due attention as important stakeholders in the economy.
“As stakeholders and businesspeople, we have consistently raised concerns about these taxes, including the benchmark value-added taxes, over the past few years.”
“Regrettably, our concerns appear to be overlooked, and we feel our views on matters of national interest are not being given due consideration. The Association is deeply disappointed with the government’s approach to addressing the issues affecting our industry.”
They added that a recent statement by the Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei Asare, that the government is not done honouring financial obligations it contracted during the pandemic lends credence to their assertions.
“We hereby register our protest against the government’s treatment of our concerns and the apparent lack of dialogue on issues of national interest,” the statement from the Association added.
The spare parts dealers urged the government to consider the opinions of the business community going forward while serving its intention to engage and dialogue with the government on matters of national importance.
Below is the full statement from the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association
Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association Expresses Displeasure Over Retention of COVID and Nuisance Taxes in 2024 Budget
Monday November 20,2023
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association wishes to express its profound displeasure regarding the decision of the government to retain the COVID-19 and certain nuisance taxes in the 2024 budget statement, as presented by the Finance Minister to Parliament on November 15, 2023.
As stakeholders and businesspeople, we have consistently raised concerns about these taxes, including the benchmark Value Added Taxes, over the past few years.
Regrettably, our concerns appear to be overlooked, and we feel our views on matters of national interest are not being given due consideration.
The Association is deeply disappointed with the government’s approach to addressing the issues affecting our industry.
Despite being an essential part of the country’s revenue mobilization efforts, it seems our opinions are not being taken seriously.
The recent statement from a Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Constituency, indicating that the COVID tax cannot be abolished due to the need to repay loans secured during the 2020 pandemic, adds to our dissatisfaction.
We find it concerning that the government appears to disregard the perspectives of businesspeople in its economic management decisions.
We hereby register our protest against the government’s treatment of our concerns and the apparent lack of dialogue on issues of national interest.
The Association emphasizes the importance of effective communication and collaboration between the government and business stakeholders to achieve a harmonious economic environment.
Going forward, we urge the government to consider the views of business communities, as we are key contributors to the nation’s economic development.
The Association remains open to constructive engagement and dialogue for the betterment of the economy.
