“One of my major goals if God permits and I become president is to make Ghana one of the most business friendly economies in the world, not Africa but in the world. It is possible, we are bringing new policies to make Ghana business friendly, that is what I want to do,” says the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in an engagement with the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) emphasized that his administration in curtailing smuggling of goods into the country and back door deals will make duties at the port comparatively low.

“A lot of containers are not coming to the Tema Port but are going to Lomé because the port duties at Tema is very high compared to Lomé. So, you’ll see them going to Lome, clear the goods there and then smuggle them into Ghana. You all know this is true. And because of this even when you clear goods at the port, the officers on the road are stopping you because they think they have been smuggled from Togo. If I become president, the duty at the Tema Port cannot be higher than the Lomé port, that will be policy,” Dr Bawumia pledged.

GUTA welcomed the idea and called for a broader framework and explanation.

Following his major policy address last month, Dr. Bawumia has been interacting with various stakeholders to further explain his policies to them and seek their views and suggestions.

While answering series of questions from members of the association, the NPP flagbearer explained that a number of his policies including his proposed new tax reforms are aimed at boosting businesses.

Dr. Bawumia noted that the tax amnesty for businesses and individuals which his government will introduce from 2025 as well as the flat tax rate are aimed at simplifying tax payment for businesses.

By: Vanessa Edotom Boateng | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana