The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has publicly criticized Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for excluding key trade stakeholders from consultations ahead of the July 24 mid-year budget review.
Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit confirmed the association was not invited to recent Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) discussions on proposed VAT reforms, despite being core trade sector representatives.
“We were completely left out of critical fiscal talks,” Awingobit stated on July 20, revealing he learned of the GRA’s stakeholder meeting secondhand. After questioning the GRA’s communications officer about the omission, he received assurances of future inclusion that never materialized. “They claim stakeholder engagement but ignore relevant voices. Now policies risk flawed implementation,” he added.
The IEAG warns that sidelining major trading groups undermines policy effectiveness and economic growth. It demands transparent, inclusive consultations before finalizing fiscal measures. The Ghana Revenue Authority has not publicly responded to the allegations.
This dispute emerges amid broader economic challenges under President Mahama’s administration, including energy sector debt and revenue collection reforms. The Finance Ministry’s approach to stakeholder engagement faces scrutiny as Ghana navigates fiscal consolidation.
