The President of the Trade Advocacy Group, Ghana (TAGG), Kwadwo Amoateng, has warned that Ghanaian consumers will bear the cost of excessive import duties and shipping charges through higher prices of goods starting September 1, unless government takes action.
Engaging the press earlier today, the President stated that the group will no longer accept excessive and unjustifiable charges being imposed on them.
Amoateng added that ignoring this leaves traders with no choice but to pass on the cost to the ordinary Ghanaian.
“And if nothing is done, the Ghanaian consumer will ultimately pay the price through a higher prices of goods. And it’s kickstart today, 1st September. You come to the market and you see changes of prices. You go to the market and there are increases. Don’t blame anybody. Refer to the things that you’ve mentioned. Ask the questions we’ve been asking government to answer. If nothing is done, the Ghanaian consumer will ultimately pay the price through a higher prices of goods,” Amoateng stated.
He added that the responsibility to prevent this outcome lies with the government, and that failure to act will make matters worse.
“The responsibility to prevent that outcome lies with the government and authorities entrusted with regulating this sector.”
Amoateng also questioned the rationale behind the increase in administrative charges imposed by shipping lines, from GH¢550 to GH¢720, explaining that the association is still in the dark about what necessitated the change.
“The Ghana Shippers Authority engaged stakeholders over administrative charges imposed by shipping lines. Following those engagements, we understand that GH¢550 was the amount agreed upon. Yet, to our surprise, that figure was subsequently increased to GH¢720. We demand answers. Who authorised this increase? Why was it necessary? And in whose interest are these decisions being made?” he questioned.
He was, however, quick to clarify that the association is not against the imposition of legitimate taxes or duties, but rather against what it believes to be “unfair” and “excessive” taxes and duties.
“We are not opposed to legitimate import duties or lawful taxes owed to the state. Our concern is with charges that we believe are excessive, unfair, and inconsistent with the objective of reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana,” he said.
The Trade Advocacy Group, Ghana (TAGG) acts as a unified voice for over 6,000 traders and 100 member sub-associations operating across Ghana and international borders. Headquartered in Accra, TAGG functions as a critical intermediary between local business operators and government regulators.
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