By Kamal Ahmed
Somanya (E/R), Sept 02, GNA – The Henry Djaba Memorial Foundation, in partnership with Netright Ghana and Tax Justice Network Africa, has held a tax justice workshop for women in Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of Eastern Region.
The event gathered 60 women; market traders, beauticians, fashion designers, jewellery makers, Christian mothers, Muslim women, and persons with disabilities to discuss how tax systems affect their lives and businesses.
Dr. Otiko Afisah Djaba, Executive Director of the Foundation and former Gender Minister, said tax justice was key to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
“We want taxes on women’s businesses and products like sanitary pads reduced so they can afford them,” she said. “The more women contribute to the tax network, the more revenue we generate for their wellbeing.”
She stressed that women played a major role in the economy but faced unfair tax burdens.
She urged government and stakeholders to make tax systems fair and equitable.
Participants of the workshop are expected to serve as peer educators in their communities.
Sessions covered advocacy, gender-responsive taxation, tax literacy, and how fair tax policies support women’s economic rights.
Mr. Samuel Nartey, a GRA statistician in Somanya, noted that many women lacked tax knowledge. He said that trades like cosmetology and catering often ignored tax duties, including property rates and rent taxes.
“Tax payment drives national growth. Without a tax clearance certificate, you may lose access to visas, contracts, or permits,” he said.
He reminded participants that under the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915), defaulters face fines or jail.
He clarified the difference between taxes and municipal levies and explained tax reliefs. For example, a teacher earning GHC2,000 with three children gets GHC600 relief per child yearly, totaling GHC1,500.
Ms. Afreh Helina, a teacher, called for tax exemptions on kitchenware, sanitary pads, and other essentials.
She also proposed a tax-free grace period for new women-led businesses.
Ms. Believed Amoah said she had doubted tax exemptions but now sees their value and urged organizers to expand the programme to other communities.
Ms. Henrietta Glikpo, NCCE Director in Yilo Krobo, encouraged women to pay taxes, saying they fund roads, hospitals, schools, and public services. “Paying taxes is not just a right, it’s a duty that drives national development,” she said.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade