Mr Robert Ahomka-Lindsey, Deputy Minister for Trade, has said the
introduction of tax stamps on textile products is meant to ensure
discipline and revive the once vibrant local textile industry.
Apart from facilitating the work of regulators including revenue
authorities in checking the influx of unauthorised goods, the advanced
security features would fight piracy, and help customers to make
informed choices on products.
Mr Ahomka-Lindsey was addressing a meeting with stakeholders at Denu
in the Ketu South Municipality on the tax stamps, to be introduced on
November 14, 2018.
He said the Ministry would provide adequate space for sensitisation,
and tour major business districts, including Takoradi, Accra, Kumasi,
and Tarkwa, to help deepen understanding and compliance.
The Minister said the stamps were going to be distributed free of
charge, and would come in two different forms to make it easier to
distinguish between locally-made and imported goods.
He said a three-month window would be given to traders to clear existing stocks before the roll-out.
Mr Ahomka-Lindsey added that the programme was in six major
components, and included the establishment of a new import regime that
was going to make the Tema Port the only entry point for imported
textiles.
The Ministry would also work with local textile manufacturers – build
their capacities, and at the same time encourage foreign manufacturers
to establish production centres in the country.
The Deputy Minister said an import management committee had been
formed and mandated to manage the importation of textiles, and
underlined their determination to empower the reconstituted tax force to
enforce laws in the sector.
He called on all stakeholders, particularly, the border agencies to
support efforts at securing for the nation its’ share of trade
activities, for national development.
Mr Kweku Boadu, Head of Corporate Affairs at Grascom Consortium,
manufacturers of the stamps, said the stamps were being developed in
close collaboration with stakeholders.
These would feature a two-dimension bar code bearing real time data on the products.
He said with a mobile based application, data on the stamps could be assessed by regulators and customers alike.
Source: Ghana Business News, Ghana Monday, 15 October 2018