Accra, 11 October 2025 — The Importers & Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), represented by its Executive Secretary Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, has issued a strong caution to the Ministry of Finance: any new taxes in the upcoming 2026 national budget must not be sprung on the business community without prior consultation.
Speaking on the Off the Lens program on OnlineTimesGH, Mr. Awingobit described Ghana’s taxation burden as a “double-edged situation,” warning that both domestic and international taxes have become excessive for many businesses. He argued that new tax policies must be crafted with fairness and clear stakeholder input. Online Times
“When we bring cargo to the port, we end up paying around 55% to 60% in taxes, which is simply too high. On the domestic side, while those earning less than ₵1,000 are not taxable, others in higher brackets are over-taxed,” he said.
“If the Finance Minister is listening, I’ll be very disappointed if he goes to Parliament to spring new taxes on us without engagement. We will tell him the truth to power.” Online Times
Mr. Awingobit acknowledged that the current Mahama administration has made gains—most notably in reducing inflation and tempering the prime interest rate—which have softened pressure on many businesses. Yet, he continued, the tax system remains in dire need of rationalization.
He urged the Finance Ministry to adopt transparent practices and direct engagement with the private sector before finalizing any new fiscal measures. “We remain supportive of policies that stabilize the economy, but our loyalty is to Ghana’s trade community—not to any political party,” he asserted.
