Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry Michael Okyere says government will continue to engage businesses over their grievances relating to the new tax measures introduced by the government.

The Ghana Union of Trader’s Association (GUTA) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) argue that the revenue measures are counterproductive hence the need for government to reverse them.

Speaking to Joy News’ Blessed Sogah on the sidelines of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) Business Forum in Cape Town – South Africa, Michael Okyere Baafi says the intention of government is not to kill any businesses.

“The intention of government is not to cripple or sabotage businesses. That’s not what government has in mind. Government’s interest is to encourage people to do business and also when they do businesses and when they grow, those businesses are supposed to pay more taxes to government so that we can be able to undertake projects like very good infrastructural projects like roads, other things that will benefit car users and users of social services in the country,” he said while announcing that a series of dialogues will continue in order to find common grounds with private sector.

Touching on the opportunities provided by AfCFTA, Michael Baafi stressed that Ghanaian businesses must position themselves to leverage the wider market provided by the area.

Africa’s private sector is currently in Cape Town, South Africa to participate in the 2023 AfCFTA Business Forum – the first one to be held in person.

Convened by the AfCFTA Secretariat under the patronage of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the conference is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 16 – 18 April 2023.