GRA locks up over 150 shops in Kumasi over unpaid taxes

Nearly 200 shops in Kumasi have been locked by a task force. This action is part of ongoing tax compliance measures. The operation took place on Wednesday, April 16.

Officers from the Ashanti New Town Taxpayer Service Center conducted the lockdown. They stated that shop owners had defaulted on their tax obligations. Despite several notices and reminders, many did not settle their debts.

Shop owners near Airport Roundabout, Asafo, and Amakom were affected. They found additional padlocks on their shops and GRA seals at the entrances. Many were left stranded due to this unexpected action.

The Ghana Revenue Authority is concerned about tax reluctance in the informal sector. Defaulters often cite low sales and other challenges as reasons for non-payment. However, some shop owners claimed they were unaware of the operation.

Henry Prince Gyan is the Chief Revenue Officer at the Ashanti New Town Taxpayer Service Center. He insisted that prior notice was given to shop owners before the lockdowns began. He confirmed that over two hundred thousand Ghana cedis has been collected from some who paid their debts.

Gyan explained that sometimes they must apply pressure to ensure compliance. They sent invitation letters before locking up shops, but some refused to respond. Therefore, they did not inform shop owners about the operation beforehand.