info@businessghana.com
The Ghana Revenue Authority has began a rigorous exercise to ensure compliance with the affixing of the Excise Tax Stamps by manufacturers. Beginning with manufacturers, the teams visited SBC Beverages Ghana Limited, manufacturers of Pepsi Cola in Ghana, Accra Brewery Limited producers of Club Beer and Beta Malt and GIHOC distilleries producers of alcoholic beverages such as Castle Bridge.
The trucks with Pepsi products barred from leaving
At SBC and ABL, the GRA discovered that excisable products ready for distribution did not have the stamps and prevented their trucks from leaving. Closed door discussions were held between the GRA team and the managers of both companies who refused to speak to the media. The GRA have stationed personnel at the various premises to ensure they comply before being allowed to resume distribution. However,detained products will be sent to GRA's warehouses where unpaid taxes will be calculated and penalties of up to 300 per cent added.
At GIHOC distilleries however, the situation was different as they were one of the first companies to purchase the machines for fixing the stamp. Speaking to the media, Managing Director, Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah said the tax stamps help to identify fake products on the market and also helps companies to contribute to national development. He said they are happy to comply with the directives and urged others to do so.
The team also visited the Achimota Retail Center where goods that were found on sale without the stamps were confiscated. Items included 900 bottles of 2 liter Coca Cola Bottles, 79 bottles of Special Ice Mineral water, 14 bottles of lucozade energy drinks among others.
Mr Kwabena Apau Anto, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of the Excise Unit, speaking to the media said that officers have been stationed all over the country to check for the stamps on products. He said that the stamp protects revenue and also ensures the authenticity of the products among other things, therefore no new products without the stamps will go onto the market until they have it.
It will be recalled that the GRA in September, 2018, promised to embark on the second phase of a nation wide full enforcement and compliance of the Excise Tax Stamp in accordance with the Excise Tax Stamp Act, 2013 Act 873 on 1st October, 2018. The Act
stipulates that the Excise Tax Stamp shall be affixed on excisable goods such as cigarettes and other tobacco products, alcoholic beverages whether bottled, canned, contained in kegs for sale or packaged in other forms, non alcoholic carbonated beverages whether bottled, canned or packaged in any other form, bottled water and any other excisable product prescribed by the Minister.
