The Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG) has stated that it will back any candidate for president who will take on the issues and problems that it faces.
In an official statement released on Monday, February 12, FABAG’s chairman, John Awuni, bemoaned the fact that the private sector has been “battered by an array of different taxes, with overall tax levels constantly rising.” He further stated that his organization is prepared “to hear the position of the flagbearers of the various political parties on the taxes and policies” that they have that will help his members and their businesses.
According to the statement, companies are investigating or exporting through other West African nations as a result of the numerous taxes imposed on imports.
The private sector is currently disillusioned, and the majority of participants are looking into investment opportunities in neighboring nations like Togo and Cote d’Ivoire. Working capital is vanishing for the majority of businesses every day.
It further stated that association members are urged to cast ballots in the next elections in accordance with the policies and taxes that each candidate for president would propose.
“Indeed, members of our association as well as our employees will be encouraged to vote based on how the various political parties commit to address the key concerns of the private sector.
The sector is the engine of growth but currently, the engine is grinding to halt. Business-friendly government policies which constitute fuel and lubricants of a healthy engine have gradually been replaced with business-killer policies. We would like to know how this engine will be re-ignited when a new administration takes power.
How the sector will be revitalized needs to be clearly articulated and documented in manifestoes. Questions that beg the attention of those seeking the mandate of Ghanaians to govern are as follows: What will be the specific tax policies for imports, manufacturing and the Service sector? How will they make the private sector genuinely profitable if given the mandate?
At the moment, most players, including members of our apex association in the private sector feel unwelcomed by the government and viewed as though they are criminals for demanding a break from over-taxation. The attacks, mudslinging and harassment are dispiriting. We don’t feel the backing and support of the State.”
