We have not engaged in any stakeholder consultation with the gov’t – IEAG
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has revealed that no stakeholder engagement has taken place between it and government since the suspension of the benchmark value policy.
“The secretariat of the IEAG would want to put on record that since the announcement of the indefinite suspension of the implementation of the reversed 50% benchmark values policy by government, no stakeholder engagement has taken place between the IEAG and government”, it stated.
The assertion by the IEAG follows a comment made by the Minster of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, during an investiture dinner held by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to swear in its new president.
The Minister disclosed that government is set to make the final decision on the benchmark value policy before the end of January, adding, that government’s engagement with stakeholders are ongoing and will achieve a favourable outcome that will satisfy all parties involved.
Speaking at the investiture dinner, Mr Adu Boahen said, “Undoubtedly, the reversal of benchmark values is of particular concern to AGI and the wider business community. I think every speech that I have heard so far has referenced that, so I know it’s something that is of major concern to your members.
“ladies and gentlemen, I’m happy to let you know that there are continued engagements, with stakeholders ongoing, please do not give up, let’s persevere and I’m sure we’ll find ourselves with some good news before the end of the month (January) with regards to the benchmark value,” he stated.
These statements made by the Minister, the IEAG has described as unfortunate, deceptive, prejudicial and a show of gross bias towards its course in the matter of the benchmark value policy implementation.
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“We at the IEAG deem this statement by the honorable minister Charles Adu-Boahen as unfortunate, deceptive, prejudicial and a show of gross bias towards our course in the matter of the benchmark values policy implementation,” stated the IEAG in a press statement indicating its displeasure to the comments made by the Minister.
Adding that, none of its sister organizations including the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) and Ghana Union of Trade Association [GUTA] have been consulted.
“Also, the IEAG can state unequivocally that none of its sister organizations including the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders GIFF and the Ghana Union of Trade Associations GUTA have been consulted on the way forward on the issues,” it added.
It furthered that the Association finds it rather shocking but also unacceptable for the Minister to have uttered such statements, giving assurance to key stakeholders in a matter that is yet to be discussed.
“It is therefore not only SHOCKING but also UNACCEPTABLE for a Minister of State who is supposed to have known better to be quoted giving assurances to a key stakeholder in a matter that is yet to be discussed by all parties”.
The IEAG has therefore entreated that the Minister should recuse himself from any stakeholder engagements on the said issue going forward and should with immediate effect, retract his statement.
Read details of statement below:
Ieag Press Release by Fuaad Dodoo on Scribd
