Informal sector operators asked to pay taxes

Mr Roger Kumah, Central Regional Director of the Ghana Revenue Authority, has advised informal business operators not to consider tax collectors as enemies.

He said Government would continue to rely on taxes to provide roads, hospitals, schools, electricity, water and other infrastructure to improve the living standards of Ghanaians.

Mr Kumah made the call at a stakeholders’ forum, organized by the Central Regional branch of the Ghana Traditional Caterers Association (GTCA), in Winneba.

He expressed worry that people in the informal sector, including chop bar and drinking bar operators failed to declare their actual profits, and also are unwilling to pay tax.

Mrs Anita Ekua Danso, Central Regional Chairperson of the GTCA, appealed to the District, Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies, and revenue agencies, to involve the Association in the determination of taxes.

He said high taxes and fees imposed on members of the association had affected their businesses.

Mr John K. Kussachie, Effutu Municipal Coordinating Director, gave the assurance that the Assemblies would involve operators of the informal sector in the determination of taxes.

He said the assemblies would also continue to provide the enabling environment for the private sector to operate, since it is the engine of growth of the economy.**