By Adnan Adams Mohammed
The Ghana Revenue Authority, (GRA), Customs Division has taken a draconian decision to increase export charges in the country.
According to GRA, any goods above 300 kilograms would attract a disinfection fee of US$450 from the previous US$20 which commenced on 16th March, 2022. This is in attempt to meet its revenue target for the year.
But, the aggrieved exporters that Economy Times spoke to have described the new directive as very unfortunate and would discourage exports in the country.
“The government needs the dollar to build it reserves and if we don’t increase our exports, how can we bring in more dollars to build a strong reserves”, they quizzed, saying that it would be very prudent for the government to reconsider this decision and draw the directive immediately.
This is an indirect way of killing our business which would have effect our ailing economy, they said.
Exports in Ghana decreased to US$1272.90 Million in December from US$1297.80 Million in November of 2021.
Ghana’s main exports are gold, cocoa beans and timber products. Others include tuna, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds and horticulture. It’s main exports partners are Netherlands, Burkina Faso, South Africa and United Kingdom.
