Business News of Friday, 18 January 2019
Source: citibusinessnews.com
2019-01-18
Michael Luguje, Acting Director-General of Ghana Ports and Harbours
The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Michael Luguje says his outfit cannot be blamed for the shortfall in revenue for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for last year.
The comment comes after the GRA stated that some activities at the country’s ports contributed to the revenue shortfall for 2018.
According to Michael Luguje, his institution does not have a direct role to play in the attainment of the revenue targets of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
The GRA in 2018 had a total tax revenue target of GH¢39 billion Ghana Cedis.
But according to the Commissioner in Charge of Customs at the GRA, Isaac Crenstil, the GRA could not hit its target, losing over 2 billion Cedis.
Responding to questions from Citi Business News, Mr. Luguje, said the revenue of the GRA depends more on the volume and value of cargo imported into Ghana.
He added that honest declaration of imported cargo in terms of quantities and values for correct computation of taxes are also important as well as vigilance by customs to curtail under-invoicing and tax evasion.
Highlighting some roles of the authority, Mr. Luguje explained that the GPHA is responsible for providing adequate port facilities to handle import and export ships and cargoes through the ports, while deploying relevant ICT systems to facilitate ships and cargo clearance.
In addition to the above Mr. Luguje said they provide security to ensure import cargoes are protected from theft and exit from the ports without payment of duties.
His comments were re-echoed by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana who have urged the Ghana Revenue Authority to improve its systems at the ports if it intends to meet its revenue target.
