Geofrey Kabutey Ocansey, the executive director of Revenue Mobilisation Africa, has advised the John Dramani Mahama-led administration to tread cautiously in its quest to scrap some taxes as it has promised.
The analyst and governance specialist believes that, while abolishing taxes was a campaign promise that should be kept, the government should be guided.
He said there was the need for the government to hasten slowly before scrapping these taxes.
Mr. Ocansey urged the government to avoid scrapping the taxes in its first budget and explain to Ghanaians the reasons.
He stated that the country needed resources in paying some outstanding debts, both internally and externally, hence the need to generate resources towards.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he suggested to the government to appeal to Ghanaians to give it a six-month period before the taxes are scrapped.
This he explained would allow the government to mobilise some resources in dealing with some financial challenges, including issues relating to the free SHS and matters.
“If the government wants to deliver on the promise to scrap some taxes, that is good news, but I will advise that they proceed cautiously.” We should not rush into a decision that will cause us problems. The best approach is to take some time, engage with Ghanaians across the country for six months, and put in place measures to help us pay or deal with some of the challenges before returning to parliament and getting these taxes scrapped”.
Geoffrey Kabutey Ocansey also underscored the need for President John Dramani Mahama to take tax communications seriously.
He explained that communicating to Ghanaians on tax issues, what the taxes have been used for, will ensure trust and make Ghanaians feel proud in paying their taxes.
He emphasised that every tax administration communication strategy should be structured in such a way that it educates taxpayers about procedures and deadlines while also making citizens aware of their tax obligations. It is critical to inform them of the amount collected and its intended use.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
