GRA refutes claims of harassment by Ken Agyapong

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has refuted allegations of harassment levelled by Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP had claimed in an interview with Kumasi-based Sompa FM that his businesses are facing unprecedented “harassment” and “intimidation” under the Akufo-Addo-led government.

He said since he started doing business in the Fourth Republic, never has he come under such seeming high-handedness.

But in a press release issued on Monday, March 13, GRA clarified that every move it has made on businesses, particularly the factory under construction by Mr Agyapong, is “to measure and improve compliance whiles fine-tuning controls”.

“The factory in question together with other companies were thus audited to check the value
of goods imported and their intended use,” the press release signed by an Assistant Commissioner, Florence Asante, said.

“We wish to disclose that in January and February 2023, about thirty (30) of such risk-based activities were carried out on a number of businesses.”

Mrs Asante pointed out in the release that in the area of enforcement and compliance, GRA last September cranked up invigilation exercises at VAT-registered businesses such as shops, restaurants, and manufacturing sites.

“This exercise was very successful and GRA intends to scale up the invoice invigilation exercise from April 2023 as part of its revenue mobilization efforts,” the Authority announced.

“In carrying out all these enforcement and compliance activities, staff of GRA have been advised to remain professional and act at all times with integrity as required by the Authority’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.”

GRA assured Mr Agyapong and, by extension, all taxpayers about its readiness to receive complaints and feedback in its work, encouraging those with evidence against any of its staff to report.

“We also wish to state that GRA remains committed to carrying out its mandate of revenue mobilization with integrity, fairness and utmost professionalism.”

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