Rescind decision to scrap 50% benchmark value else… – Importers threaten government
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has threatened government over its strong headedness to scrap the 50 percent benchmark value on the importation of goods into the country.
A press statement signed and issued by the Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Awingobit, noted should government go ahead with its plan to scrap the benchmark value, members of the Association will embark on a nationwide strike action which will put a freeze on the importation and exportation of goods.
“We’re by this statement giving government one week ultimatum to shelve its decision of scrapping the 50% Benchmark value or leave us with no other option than to also embark on a nationwide strike action which will put a freeze on the importation and exportation of goods,” read parts of the statement.
In the statement, Mr Awingobit decried government’s decision to go ahead with plans to scrap the benchmark value despite continuous agitations from industry players and various trade associations.
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“It is very disheartening to see a government who campaigned on the premise of implementing a 50% benchmark value just to win the votes and support of importers and then turnaround to scrap off such policy in the face of a global pandemic, which has hit hard on local businesses,” said Mr Awingobit.
The Association further argues that, the scrapping of the benchmark value will lead to a further hike in the prices of goods imported into the country as well as serve as an avenue for goods to be smuggled into the Ghanaian market which would in effect collapse local businesses.
Read details of press statement below:
PRESS RELEASE
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA
50% BENCHMARK VALUE REMOVAL WILL LEAD TO IMPORTATION OF SMUGGLED GOODS INTO THE GHANAIAN MARKET
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is saddened by the continuous attempts by government to scrap off the 50% Benchmark value despite continuous agitations from industry players and various trade associations.
It is very disheartening to see a government who campaigned on the premise of implementing a 50% benchmark value just to win the votes and support of importers and then turnaround to scrap off such policy in the face of a global pandemic, which has hit hard on local businesses.
While the hikes in goods and services has compelled some businesses to fold up, with the latest being that of bakers in the Northern region, who are embarking on a strike action over the high costs of production, the country is largely to see a worse situation should the 50% benchmark value be scrapped.
Not only would Government’s plan propel hikes in prices of goods imported into the country, but it will also create an avenue for goods to be smuggled into the Ghanaian market, which would in effect collapse local businesses.
We’re by this statement giving government one week ultimatum to shelve its decision of scrapping the 50% Benchmark value or leave us with no other option than to also embark on a nationwide strike action which will put a freeze on the importation and exportation of goods.
Signed
……………
Samson Asaki Awingobit
Executive Secretary,
Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana
Tel: 024 357 5046
