Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has lamented the high level of smuggling at Ghana’s ports, especially through the Togo port.
He said the smuggled goods infiltrate the Ghanaian market, robbing the country of revenue through taxes and port charges, while affecting local Ghanaian businesses.
He said, “You can see a lot of smuggling from the Togo port entering through Ghana, and it is a matter of significant concern. This smuggling not only takes away our revenue, but also takes away employment from Ghanaians.”
According to a citinewsroom.com report, the minister lamented the revenue leakages and added that, “In the coming days, I think I may relocate my office to the Tema Port. It may have to get to that for us to see what is going on.”
Ato Forson noted that the government is working to adequately equip the preventive arm of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to curb the illicit flow of goods.
He was quick to add that if the issue of revenue leakages is not addressed as soon as possible, it would cripple the nation’s revenue base and threaten economic recovery efforts.
SSD/AE
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