Spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai have called for calm and full cooperation among members following engagements with the Ghana Revenue Authority over the implementation of a newly introduced tax policy.

In a statement issued after a meeting with the Commissioner-General of the Authority, Anthony Kwesi Sarpong, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association clarified that the tax measure has already been duly passed into law and now forms part of Ghana’s legal framework.

According to the Association, the GRA indicated that the policy will be monitored over a six-month period to assess its effectiveness and practical impact. Members were also informed that Parliament does not hastily repeal laws, stressing that any review or amendment would follow due process.

The Authority further assured dealers that the objective of the tax is not to impose additional hardship on traders but to ensure that taxes legitimately due to the state are properly paid. The system’s structure, including a 20 percent component, is intended to promote compliance and fairness rather than create conflict.

Based on these assurances, the Association emphasised that there is no cause for unrest.

“We have resolved to remain calm, cooperative, and law-abiding while the implementation of the policy is observed,” the statement noted, adding that all shops at Abossey Okai will remain open on Monday, with business activities proceeding as usual.

However, the group is calling for intensified public education on the tax system. It observed that only a small number of traders consistently meet their tax obligations, leaving compliant operators to shoulder an unfair burden while some non-compliant businesses record significant turnovers.

The Association believes limited understanding of the tax framework remains a major challenge and has welcomed the six-month monitoring period. It expressed hope that by the time the policy is reviewed — potentially by Parliament — it would have been thoroughly evaluated to determine whether it is beneficial in its current form or requires adjustments.

To support the process, a six-member committee has been constituted to monitor the policy’s implementation. The committee comprises three representatives from the Ghana Revenue Authority and three from the Ghana Union of Traders Association, with a mandate to make recommendations on the impact of the tax policy.

Their findings are expected to inform proposals for the mid-year budget.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with authorities to ensure a fair, transparent and workable tax system for all traders.