By Naa Dzagbley Ago
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), is pleading with the public to assist with revenue collection by demanding VAT invoices after purchases or in doing business at any point of sale.
This, according to the GRA, is the ”surest way to ensure that all taxes due the state are collected for national development”.
The Enforcement Manager of GRA in charge of Accra Central, Joseph Annan told GBC News in an interview that officers from the Authority will continue to carry out unexpected operations at various companies and shops.
”Businesses which are not issuing the Commissioner General’s VAT invoice should change their ways,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Revenue Authority, has locked up a number of businesses following default to the state.
Among them is the Underbridge Event Centre at East Legon.
Furthermore, the Officials also arrested Managers of some business entities within the Tema Fishing Harbour enclave. The facilities are Josnartey Ventures, distributors of soft drinks and bottled water, Perez Frozen Foods, Isaac Glavi Trading Enterprise and the Takyi Yard which host about eight cold stores.
Upon realizing the presence of the GRA Enforcement Team, word went round and operators within the Takyi Yard locked up their stores and left the premises.
According to the Enforcement Manager of GRA in charge of Accra Central, Joseph Annan, the Event Centre which was the first port of call had not registered with the Authority for Value Added Tax, VAT,
Others were either not issuing the VAT invoices at all, and some were engaged in selective issuance of the VAT invoices.
”Those we have picked up would be handed over to the CID for their statement to be taken for investigation and possible prosecution.”
According to Mr. Annan, ”the GRA would go ahead to conduct preemptive assessment of their books and records for the necessary penalties to be paid for starters.”
