Political commentator Nana Bonsu has counselled the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), and other organisations to rescind their decision to embark on a nationwide strike.
The industrial action was announced in protest against the implementation of the Publican AI customs valuation system at Ghana’s ports; however, Mr Bonsu has urged these groups to prioritise dialogue over disruption.
He noted that the planned strike would likely cause more harm than good, emphasizing the necessity of engaging with authorities to find a constructive way forward.
While acknowledging that the various groups may have genuine concerns, he maintained that a strike is not the most effective option.
Mr Bonsu opined that the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Akwesi Sarpong, operates an open-door policy, and therefore, traders should engage with him directly to reach a reasonable solution.
The traders have argued that the system has introduced excessive automated valuations, which they claim have led to a sharp increase in clearing costs and placed a significant financial strain on importers.
They further assert that the new approach has complicated business operations, leaving many struggling to cope with what they describe as inflated charges.
According to their representatives, the valuation process lacks transparency and fairness, resulting in the arbitrary pricing of imported goods.
Reacting to these concerns, Mr Bonsu believes the new system will ensure efficiency and block the forms of manipulation that have previously deprived the state of essential revenue, contrary to the assertions made by critics.
To help address these grievances, he advised the GRA to establish a dedicated core team to engage with the traders. This team would be responsible for explaining the mechanics and benefits of the Publican AI system while addressing the specific concerns raised by the business community.
“The traders would have to choose dialogue over a strike or a demonstration. The GRA boss is someone who operates an open-door policy and so I will encourage GUTA and the others to engage with him. He is someone who means well for the trading community. He is someone who wants Ghanaian businesses to succeed because when they do, they would be able to pay their taxes in time and the approved taxes. That is why I want to stress the point for them to dialogue. There needs to be an understanding of the new system. The GRA should set up a team that will engage with the traders so that there would be some level of acceptance.”
Mr Bonsu called on individuals using this situation to advance political agendas to cease doing so, arguing that such actions will not resolve the underlying issues.
“To those using the issue to play politics: stop. It is unhealthy. This is a national issue and for those who think using it to score political points, it is needless. If those opposed to the idea of the AI system are doing so for political reasons, stop and allow the new system to operate in the interest of Ghanaians.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana