The Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah has ordered that Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at Ashtown to unlock the shops of some traders at the Kumasi Central Market.

The traders argued that they previously paid GHS500 but are now taxed GHS1, 300. They argue that the new rate is too high and that is why they can’t pay.

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Osei explained that at a meeting held on July 12, he together with all the heads of the small and medium taxpayers unit in the Ashanti Region agreed that the shops be unlocked due to the complaints from the traders.

However,  “the Krofrom or Ashtown small taxpayer office went again to lock up the shops which nearly resulted in demonstrations across Kumasi.”

“Adding the 2017 tax assessment figures are abnormal and totally unacceptable,” he added.

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He said the taxpayers may fail to pay the taxes because they think it is “pure concoction of inefficiency, incompetence and corruption and this government will not sanction such an astronomical increase in taxes.”

The Minister, therefore, asked that the shops are unlocked for the traders to go about their normal duties.

He also charged them to pay and pay the rates for 2016 whiles they look into the matter and reach an amicable solution.