Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah
THE
CHAMBER of Cement manufacturers (COGMAG) has denied evading taxes on imported clinker
at the port.
This
follows reports in the media that cement manufacturing companies have
shortchanged Ghana by over $100 million in import duties and taxes on tonnes of
clinker they imported into the country over the last five years.
Executive
Secretary, COGMAG, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, states: “We are saddened by the
fact that investigators of the said report did not contact the cement
manufacturers during the survey to verify figures before making such
allegations. Cement manufacturers have been in the industry for many years and
have been loyal and consistent with their financial obligations. We want to
assure the industry that our members are committed to promoting the sector and as
such will not manipulate the system for any personal gains.”
“I can authoritatively say that about 3.4
million tons of clinker was imported in 2018, with all relevant duties and
taxes paid by the cement manufacturers. We dare them to authenticate the
figures. Cement manufacturers are credible companies and cannot resort to such
illegal transactions” he said and called for reconciliation from the writer and
thereafter an unqualified apology.
“It
is even worthy to note that the ports of Tema and Takoradi are not the only ports
of entry into the country. Diamond Cement imports from Togo and other country
through Togo port. Then Savannah Diamond Cement produced clinker locally and
partially imports from Togo, as such in calculating the composition of clinker
into the production of cement, all the sources of importation must be accounted
for”.
“The
importation of clinker involves a lot of agencies and therefore manipulation of
quantities is highly impossible. This is an international shipment covered by
documentation from port of origin and port of destination so such allegations
must not be tolerated”
The
Executive Secretary added: “The system at the ports in Tema and Takoradi are so
rigid and cannot be easily manipulated especially with bulk cargo such as
clinker. The cement manufacturers are ready to reconcile their importation
figures with any investigations being carried out”.
