Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association expresses displeasure over retention of COVID and nuisance taxes in 2024 Budget

Beatrice Enyonam November 21, 2023 in Business - 2 Minutes

In a bold move, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has voiced its strong discontent with the government’s decision to retain both COVID-19 and certain nuisance taxes in the 2024 budget.

The Association, a key player in the nation’s economic landscape, expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of consideration for the concerns raised by business stakeholders.

Despite consistent efforts by the Association to communicate their apprehensions, particularly regarding Value Added Taxes (VAT), their grievances seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The Finance Minister’s recent presentation of the 2024 budget to Parliament on November 15, 2023, has triggered a response from the business community, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the government’s economic management strategy.

Takyi Addo, Head of Communications for the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, stated, “Regrettably, our concerns appear to be overlooked, and we feel our views on matters of national interest are not being given due consideration. Despite being an essential part of the country’s revenue mobilization efforts, it seems our opinions are not being taken seriously.”

The Association expressed particular concern over a recent statement from a Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Constituency, asserting that the COVID tax cannot be abolished due to the need to repay loans secured during the 2020 pandemic.

This explanation has further fueled discontent within the business community, with claims that the government appears to disregard the perspectives of businesspeople in its economic management decisions.

In response, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has officially registered its protest against the government’s treatment of their concerns and the apparent lack of dialogue on issues of national interest.

The Association emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration between the government and business stakeholders to achieve a harmonious economic environment.