George Blankson unveiling the buses with support from leaders of the GRA credit union
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Cooperative Credit Union is set to distribute mini buses to guarantee extra income for its members in line with its welfare package.
Under the car loan scheme, an initiative of the Credit Union, cars are acquired for members who later pay in installment.
Beneficiaries are expected to use them for commercial purposes which would generate employment and income.
At a ceremony in Accra, 150 mini buses out of total 450 buses expected to be allocated to beneficiaries were unveiled to the delight of members and managers of the union.
Godwin Monyo, Chairman of the GRA Credit Union, in a welcome address at the ceremony, said 200 saloon cars are expected to be distributed to members.
“By close of September, this year, a total of 450 minibuses and 200 saloon cars will be given to members under the credit union care loan scheme,” he stated.
He explained that the auto car loan scheme is one of the many products initiated by the Credit Union to meet the growing needs of its members.
On the distribution of the buses, Mr. Monyo said “they will be allocated first to members who have made initial deposits towards the acquisition of the vehicles.”
He was optimistic the initiative would not only enhance the income of beneficiaries but also “go a long way to contribute to revenue mobilization.”
JMET Corporation of China, a Trade and Investment Corporation financed the manufacture of the vehicles while CAL bank and Unibank supported the venture through financing.
The Chairman of the Credit Union said there were plans to institute a housing scheme for members based on the success of the car loan scheme.
Commissioner General of the GRA, George Blankson, said the buses would offer an opportunity to beneficiaries to become transport owners and earn an extra income legitimately for themselves while securing their economic future.”
It would also present an opportunity for the Cridit Union to improve the income of their shareholders and complement pension benefits available to staff.
The Commissioner General pledged the commitment and support of the management of the Commission in supporting such initiatives.
Mr Blankson asked the beneficiaries to make regular payments to defray the cost of the buses and not to allow management of the buses to interfere with their work.
“Remember that you are first tax administrators and so you must always pay your taxes,” he told the beneficiaries.
Rainy Yu, Vice General Manager of JMET said the partnership between JMET and GRACCU would help to strengthen the relations between China and Ghana.
By Emelia Ennin Abbey