The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has called on government to abort any attempt to eradicate the 50% reduction of the benchmark value policy introduced for businesses.

It says such a move will be suicidal for the state.

Dr Joseph Obeng, President of the Association, in a statement apprised eradicating the policy will not only collapse businesses but also cause an unbearable rise in prices of goods and services beyond the reach of consumers, especially, low-income earners and the unemployed.

“At this time of numerous global economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, seriously affecting businesses all over the world, and any attempt to remove this good policy of the government that brought relief will be suicidal for the state,” the statement said.

According to Dr Obeng, the initiative alleviated the plight of the trading community, as well as save businesses in the country from imminent collapse.

“In actual fact, brought relief to the trading community, sanity into the system and eased tension and agitations even before the outbreak or Covid-19.”

The Association believes that the reduction of the benchmark value is “the only lifeline policy left for businesses, especially at this trying time, and need to be maintained.”

They, therefore, “want to be categorical here, that the trading community is not prepared to accept any additional burden or layer of cost of doing business.

“Especially, as there has already been the introduction of new taxes and increments in the value-added tax, which have been accommodated by these same suffering businesses in the country,” the statement indicated.

Below is the statement.

23TH/08/2021

PRESS STATEMENT BY GHANA UNION OF TRADERS' ASSOCIATION

REMOVAL OF THE 50% BENCHMARK VALUE WILL BE SUICIDAL

It has come to the notice of the Ghana Union of Trades' Associations (GUTA) that the government intends to remove the 50% reduction of the benchmark value which was introduced a few years ago to alleviate the plight of the trading community, as well as save businesses in the country from imminent collapse.

This is not to even mention its repercussions on cost of living, consumer and the economy as a whole.

Introduction of the reduction of the benchmark value by 50% has, in actual fact, brought relief to the trading community, sanity into the system and eased tension and agitations.

This was even far before the outbreak of the covid 19 pandemic, which also came with its own challenges including hikes in the world commodities prices, high freight charges etc..

At this time of numerous global economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, seriously affecting businesses all over the world, and any attempt to remove this good policy of the government that brought relief will be suicidal for the state because it will not only collapse business, but also cause an unbearable rise in prices of goods and services beyond the reach of consumers, especially, low income earners and the unemployed.

One could imagine the upheaval that it will spark in the country.

We, therefore want to be categorical hear, that the trading community is NOT prepared to accept any additional burden or layer of cost of doing business, especially, as there have already been introduction of new taxes and increments in the value added tax, which have been accommodated by these same suffering businesses in the country.

It is important to state that the reduction of the benchmark value is the only life line policy left for businesses, especially at this trying time, and need to be maintained.

Signed: Dr Joseph Obeng

             President

GUTA