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RADP / Pulse Ghana  >  news  >  business

Finance Ministry begins consultations for 2017 budget

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President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association, George Kwaku Ofori identified the reversion of the 17.5% VAT to a proposed 3% flat rate for industry, as their priority.

Seth Terkper, Minister of Finance
Seth Terkper, Minister of Finance

Again some stakeholders Pulse.com.gh has been speaking to, still identify taxes as the main issue that must be addressed under the 2017 budget.

READ MORE: Ghana Electricity Terkper meets ECG workers; promises solution to their problems

The association has been in talks with the Finance Ministry over the need for the flat rate to be introduced.

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Anthony Dzadra, Head of Tax Policy Unit at the Ministry of Finance revealed to Pulse.com.gh that discussions are currently at an advanced stage towards the reversion.

George Ofori said he expects government to take a definite decision on reducing taxes on industry in the 2017 budget.

“ What traders expect in 2017 is a firm decision by government to reduce the taxes, especially the Value Added Tax. We are currently at an advanced stage with the Finance Ministry about a reversal to the flat 3% rate. The inclusion in the budget will solidify it.”

The Ghana Importers and Exporters Association on their part mentioned the longstanding issue of import duties and the need to align them with the ECOWAS common external tariffs.

“This is an issue we have been fighting for the alignment of our taxes with the ECOWAS common external tariffs. That is what we will like to see in the 2017 budget”, the Executive Secretary of the association says.

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Meanwhile, it is unclear when the 2017 budget will be read given that government officials seem to be divided over whether it should be read before or after the November elections.

Reliable sources close to the finance Ministry say the ministry may just draw a budget for the first three months of 2017, and a more substantial budget in March 2017.

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