Bawumia’s import duty reductions need parliamentary approval – Gatsi

The head of the finance department of the University of Cape Coast Professor John Gatsi has challenged the authority of the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over the port duty reduction announcement he made at the Town Hall meeting on Wednesday.

According to the economist, there is no law that permits the Vice President to declare reduction in port charges without the approval of parliament.

Dr Bawumia who heads President Akufo-Addo’s Economic Management Team gave an account on the wobbly performance of the cedi and the outlook of the country’s macroeconomic indicators.

He used the platform to announce a 50% reduction on import duties at the ports and 30% reduction on vehicle import. The Vice President argued Ghana’s import duties gave undue advantage to its neighbors who he says are registering huge traffic at their ports in recent times.

The announcement has been welcomed by importers who have consistently demanded for a reduction.

Speaking to Francis Abban on the Morning Starr Thursday, Dr Gatsi said the announcement that the charges takes effect today may not materialize because of the various stages that must be satisfied before implementation

“There is no law that grants the Vice President the power to make such announcements, he will have to go to parliament and seek approval and show the House the impact of how that change can have on revenue mobilization for the country,” he said.

Reacting to the claim, economic spokesperson for the Vice President Dr. Gideon Boako said the economic management team has already engaged the relevant stakeholders over the reduction in the import charges.

“Nobody should assume this government does not know what it is about. There is no way gov’t will announce such reduction without engaging the GRA”.