Hon. Christian Dela Apetor, Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tema West Constituency, has called for a review of Ghana’s tax exemption regime to prevent revenue leakages and ensure companies benefiting from tax incentives meet their obligations.
Speaking on Plan B 104.5 FM’s Nkosuosɛm, hosted by Obidehyie Kofi Sekyi, Mr Afetor said concerns raised by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) about loopholes in the country’s tax system, particularly revenue losses through exemptions, must be addressed.
He urged the Finance Minister and Parliament to review the conditions under which companies receive tax exemptions, insisting that businesses granted incentives to promote local employment must demonstrate that they are honouring those commitments.
He further called for stricter monitoring of companies operating under the Free Zones arrangement, raising concerns about the employment of foreign nationals in positions that could be occupied by qualified Ghanaians.
Mr Afetor also advocated greater transparency in granting tax exemptions, cautioning against their possible abuse for political or private interests.
On national development, he called for increased investment in infrastructure and technical and vocational education, urging the government to prioritise practical skills training to equip young people for employment.
He identified carpentry, masonry, electrical installation and agricultural science as key areas that require more professionally trained personnel to support Ghana’s industrial growth.
He maintained that improved revenue mobilisation, accountability in tax administration and skills-based education were essential to creating employment opportunities and advancing national development.
By: Raphael Narh Gatourhe
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