Sekondi/Takoradi ITA inaugurated

The Sekondi-Takoradi International Traders Association (ITA) was inaugurated at Takoradi on Wednesday with a call on members to be abreast with laws and regulations guiding their operations and avoid practices that will result in the loss of revenue to the country.

Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister said members should coordinate their operations with the International Revenue Service (IRS), Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), the Police and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) so as not to fall foul with the law.

She called on individuals offering similar indispensable services to come together under one umbrella to seek members' welfare and also ensure that their operations do not impact negatively on society and the national economy.

The Deputy Regional Minister warned members against tendencies that result in the collapse of such associations soon after their inaugurations and hoped the association would conduct its operations in a way that would improve business and commercial activities in the region.

" It is my fervent hope that you will go about your business in genuine and lawful manner that will enhance commercial activities in the region ", she said.

Madam Horner-Sam urged the association to educate its members of the need for them to honour their tax obligations promptly and also assist revenue agencies to collect taxes from its members.

Ms Regina Arthur ITA secretary said problems associated with their operation that entails travelling across the country's borders compelled members to come together as a group to find solutions to such problems.

The association would also provide the forum that would foster good working relationship with the security agencies at the various border posts.

Mr. George Asiamah Western Regional Police Commander advised members to do genuine business and avoid the tendency to cheat through under invoicing and over invoicing.

Officers sworn into office include Madam Sabina Eshun, Chairperson, Paapa Panyin, Vice Chairperson, Ms. Alice Koomson, Treasurer, and Mr. Francis Koyire, Financial Secretary.