As Ghana prepares for the presentation of its 2025 budget, the President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng, has made a passionate appeal to the government to refrain from introducing new taxes. With the budget presentation scheduled for March 11, 2025, Dr. Obeng’s call comes at a critical time.
Dr. Obeng emphasized the negative impact of excessive taxation on businesses, cautioning against any policy that would further burden traders. Instead, he urged the government to expand the tax net to include individuals and businesses that currently do not pay taxes, ensuring a fair and balanced tax system.
The government has already pledged to remove some levies, including the betting tax and e-levy, which is a welcome move. However, Dr. Obeng insisted that traders do not expect any new taxes to be introduced. He commended the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for engaging with traders to assess their concerns, calling it “the best thing to do”.
Dr. Obeng’s appeal is not only a plea to protect the interests of traders but also a call to ensure that the tax system is fair and equitable for all. As Ghana looks to the future, it is essential that the government strikes a balance between raising revenue and supporting the growth of businesses.
CNR/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
