4 Lebanese business owners, 3 others arrested over VAT infractions

Seven people have been arrested in an ongoing VAT compliance exercise by the Investigation Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for allegedly failing to issue VAT receipts to customers who patronize their goods and services.

The accused persons include four Lebanese business owners and three Ghanaian business managers operating in the North Industrial area and North Kaneshie in Accra.

The swoop was led by Accra Central Area Enforcement Manager, Mr. Joseph Adjeikwe Annan.

The seven business operators, MS Thakkar Overseas Limited, Sika Kobrea, Best Five Company Limited, and City Appliances, dealers in the wholesale of beverages, rice, and home appliances were picked up by the VAT Investigation Taskforce of the Ghana Revenue Authority for non-issuance of VAT receipts to customers who purchase their products.

The rest are Ad Pharmacy, Panacea Pharmacy as well as BB Laud Plumbing Limited all located in North Kaneshie.

According to the VAT Officer, a failure to issue receipts to customers after any transaction is against the VAT Act, therefore business owners must desist from the unlawful act.

He continued to say that over 90 business operators have been arrested and are to be prosecuted for non-issuance and selective issuance of VAT invoices for goods sold to customers.

The nationwide VAT invigilation exercise is to ensure tax compliance and retrieve taxes due the State.

Mr. Joseph Adjeikwe Annan seized the opportunity to advise all business owners across the country to ensure they always issue VAT receipts to customers after any purchase before the law catches up with them.