Africa-Press – Ghana. Operators of Tourism businesses have urged the government to prioritise a one-stop-shop tax regime for the business community to drive economic growth and job creation.
Mr. Charles Adu-Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), has expressed concerns that the numerous taxes currently in place pose a significant threat to investment and business growth.
He stated that there were around 20 taxes and levies imposed by various agencies, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), district assemblies, Ghana Fire Service, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and others.
In an interview, Mr. Adu-Gyamfi mentioned that, at times, an entity could pay as many as 20 different taxes and levies.
He emphasized that a one-stop-shop tax system would benefit the sector but noted that raising these concerns often led to minimal results.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi explained that the excessive number of taxes had hindered business growth over the years, citing the example of hoteliers who, due to these challenges, had been unable to expand their businesses or meet their goals of increasing room capacity.
“More rooms and other investments for the hoteliers mean more job creation which brings economic value for the populace and the state.
“The sector and association members need tax exemptions on things like fridges, televisions, and other imported equipment. Our imported cars could have their taxes and levies reduced,” he said.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi urged President Mahama to include tourism stakeholders as key participants in the government’s decision-making and policy formulation on business and tourism.
He pointed out that this had not been the case during Mahama’s first term or during the eight-year tenure of former President Akufo-Addo.
“From President Mahama’s first term and throughout former President Akufo Addo’s terms, there has not been any change.
“It has been the same when it comes to involving tourism sector major players. The government must give loans and other incentives to the sector not on partisan affiliations,” he said.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi mentioned that President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress had previously governed, understood the sector’s needs, dynamics, and potential, and expressed hope that they would bring better ideas this time around.
He also urged the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to identify specific interventions for tourism associations and provide support using the proceeds from the one per cent tourism levy, which is mandated by law and collected by the GTA.
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