The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has stated that it will help the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to stop the diversion of goods produced under its enclave for export.
The pledge comes after the Customs Division off the GRA announced on 12 November, 2018 that COMET Ghana limited, a company operating in under the Free Zone Enterprise had diverted some goods meant for export in Paga.
“The Ghana Free Zones Authority would like to state that it does not condone any illegal acts and would support the Customs Division of the GRA in carrying out its mandate of policing goods entering and exiting Free Zone areas,” Executive Secretary of the GFZA, Michael Okyere Baafi said in press statement.
Under the Free Zones laws, companies that produce for export are exempted from some taxes to help improve the country’s export earnings.
But the law has been abused over the years by some companies who divert the goods to the local market for sale.
According to the Mr. Baafi, the Authority has taken some measures and steps including contracting an independent consultancy to audit all licensed duty free shops and household plastic manufacturing companies found to have violated the Free Zone Act 1995 and its supporting regulations.
“The authority wishes to state unequivocally that Free Zones Enterprises are generally compliant to the Free Zones regulations. The Culpability of one Free Zone Company in wrongdoing should not provide justification for condemning the entire Free Zone scheme. The implementation of the Free Zones policy has created significant amount of direct and indirect employment and has contributed immensely to the economy of Ghana,” he explained.
Mr. Baafi urged all its stakeholders to offer the authority the needed support to realize its mission to help transform it into the Gateway to West Africa.
“The Authority wishes to also assure the law abiding Free Zones enterprises that the Ghana Free Zones Authority and its stakeholders will continue to create the conducive environment for their businesses to thrive,” he appealed.
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By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana