The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has shut down four Chinese firms operating at Mallam, located in the Greater Accra region, due to their inability to maintain and present mandatory sales records as part of a heightened tax enforcement initiative.
These actions are part of a nationwide compliance effort aimed at ensuring that businesses fulfil their tax responsibilities.
During a media briefing regarding the enforcement operation, Mr. Joseph Adjeikwei Annan, the Assistant Commissioner responsible for Accra Area Enforcement at the GRA, stated that the enforcement team inspected five companies situated within a large industrial yard, the majority of which are foreign-owned manufacturing and trading enterprises.
He stated that WZL Doors Manufacturing Company, Alicanonizing Company Limited, Hai Ning Chen Yu Limited, and Yida Feng Company Limited were sealed after they failed to provide sales records when requested, with some also found to be selectively issuing VAT invoices.
Mr. Annan noted that Mingzhou Ghana Limited initially did not present its records, but avoided closure after supplying the necessary documents when enforcement officers commenced sealing procedures.
He emphasised that maintaining accurate records is a legal obligation under Ghana’s tax regulations, highlighting that noncompliance constitutes a significant violation.
Mr. Annan stated that businesses sealed during the operation would remain closed until they provided their sales records to the Authority.
He further mentioned that the GRA had initiated several weeks of public education via radio, print, and various media platforms before the operation, clarifying that enforcement actions would be taken against non-compliance.
The Assistant Commissioner cautioned that the enforcement operation would persist throughout the Accra region and beyond until there is an improvement in compliance, urging all businesses to regularise their tax matters.
He warned that tampering with GRA seals would result in harsher penalties and that enforcement actions could escalate to arrests and prosecutions when deemed necessary.
Mr. Annan urged the public not to protect tax offenders, emphasising that tax compliance is a collective civic duty crucial for national development.
