The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has raised concerns about the negative effects of excessive tax policies on the manufacturing sector, leading to widespread unemployment, increased cost of living, and endangering national security.
In a statement, Mr Abrahma Koomson, the Secretary of the GFL, urged the government to be mindful of the current financial crisis and avoid placing any additional tax burden on the manufacturing sector. He also called on Parliament to ensure good governance by monitoring the Executive's spending.
Mr Koomson said that a petition was submitted to the Speaker of Parliament on February 3, 2023, to draw attention to the numerous taxes that already burdened companies, and the damage additional taxes would cause to investments.
He further stated that it is appropriate for organized labour to draw Parliament's attention to the economic challenges faced by the poor and vulnerable, as well as the need to avert any potential social upheavals in the country.
Several industry groups, including the Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana Union of Traders Association, Food and Beverage Association of Ghana, and Importers and Exporters Association, have also expressed concerns about the taxes imposed on businesses by the government.
They join the GFL in calling for caution in the government's tax policies to prevent harm to the industrial sector, and by extension, the economy.