Chop bar operators in Sunyani threaten to go on strike

Sunyani, June 17, GNA - Chop bar operators in Sunyani have threatened to take to the streets to demonstrate against VAT collection from them. The operators said they were aware they were supposed to pay tax but officials of the VAT service have insisted that they pay VAT too.

The chop bar operators, numbering about 30 and led by Nana Asare Bediako, were speaking to newsmen after the hearing of a case involving one of them at the Sunyani circuit court, presided by Mr Justice G. H. K Debrah. In the case, Mrs. Josephine Brobbey, operator of Good Mark Chop Bar in Sunyani, is charged for evading payment of VAT since she started operating and the case was adjourned to July 13, as the prosecutor was not in court.

Nana Bediako said with effect from July 1, there would be a reduction in taxes paid by chop bar operators and advised them to pay their taxes regularly for national development. He urged them to be patient since the Chop Bar Operators Association of Ghana was waiting to hear the end result of the case. Ms Lydia Nana Atakora Amoo, Brong Ahafo Regional Head of VAT Services, said according to VAT 1998 Act 546 Section 56, Mrs Brobbey is eligible to register to pay VAT.