The Private Enterprise Federation says the current business environment does not warrant tax increases. According to the federation, most businesses are currently operating under serious pressure because of the current power crises. Government last week proposed increases in excise duties, special audits of some companies and review of charges on some services. It is also planning to impose a levy on imports and annual profits of some businesses. Chief Executive of the federation, Nana Osei Bonsu however tells JOYBUSIENESS, this would only deepen the woes of businesses. “This time where the private sector is bleeding to death, where serious power outages are limiting productivity and reducing our ability to compete and on top of that rationing of water and high interest rates, to be hit with additional taxes is like the last drop of blood being depleted from our system. The most-unfortunate part is that there was no consultation and if we are not profitable no matter much taxes you add, the private sector cannot increase its tax payment" he said. Nana Osei Bonsu however proposes other options government could explore to address the revenue shortfalls. “We have to look at how we can priortize the projects being contemplated and see how some could come on later when things improve. Our tax revenue is only about 15 percent of our GDP and Lets look at the efficiency in this and also the opportunities that the jobs created would rebound and provide the taxable income to provide taxes to government.