By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Apremdo (W/R), Nov. 12, GNA – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Ladies Club has taken tax education to women traders at the Abenbebom Market in the Kwesimintsim Municipality to demystify taxation and encourage compliance.
The engagement focused on Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN), tax obligations, compliance and misconceptions surrounding taxation.
The engagement, led by Madam Neormah Nyoon Brew, National President of the GRA Ladies Club and Sector Commander for Tamale, provided a platform for the women to discuss their concerns about taxation, and the challenges affecting their trading activities.
The traders raised issues relating to the acquisition and use of TIN, the taxes applicable to small-scale businesses, how tax obligations were determined, and the possible consequences of non-compliance.
They also sought clarification on misconceptions surrounding taxation, particularly fears, and uncertainties about tax registration, and payment obligations.
The interaction offered an opportunity for the GRA team to explain the importance of tax identification, the need for taxpayers to understand their responsibilities, and the role of voluntary compliance in supporting national development.
Beyond taxation, some of the women appealed to the government to improve upon facilities at the market to create a more conducive environment for their businesses.
They also called for the development and improvement of access roads to farming communities to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce to the market.
The women said poor market infrastructure, and difficult access to farming areas could affect the movement of goods, and the smooth conduct of trading activities.
They stressed the need for the government to pay attention to the infrastructure challenges confronting market women and farmers, saying, improved facilities and accessible roads would support their livelihoods, and enhance economic activities, and make payment of taxes more voluntary.
The concerns brought into focus the relationship between tax compliance, and the need for improved public infrastructure and services that directly benefited taxpayers.
Madam Brew said the engagement formed part of efforts by the GRA Ladies Club to take tax education to communities and business groups, particularly women in the informal sector, to improve understanding of taxation, and encourage voluntary compliance.
The initiative also sought to strengthen the relationship between the Authority and taxpayers by providing opportunities for dialogue, clarification, and education on tax matters.
Madam Joyce Kwao Tetteh, the National Vice President of the Club urged the traders to continue to contribute their little drops into the national coffers so that the government could provide their daily or social amenity needs.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Linda Asante Agyei