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Taxes have become more of a punishment to businesses – Badu-Aboagye
The Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mark Badu-Aboagye, has expressed serious concerns about the escalating burden of both direct and indirect taxes on businesses in the country.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr Badu-Aboagye questioned the sustainability of business profitability in the face of increasing costs and taxes.
He argued that taxes have become an albatross on business growth.
“I think that our taxes have become more of a punishment to businesses than to support them. This is because we cannot pay, but they’re expecting you to pay.
“They are beating us but they are telling us to keep quiet,” he said on Thursday.
The CEO underscored the importance of not just introducing new taxes but also focusing on their efficiency and impact on businesses.
He emphasized the detrimental effect of the continuous introduction of new taxes, expressing the belief that these measures are ultimately hindering rather than promoting business growth.
“Businesses are suffering. Businesses cannot pay this tax. Businesses are just not making enough revenue to be able to pay this tax,” he told host George Wiafe.
Drawing attention to the economic indicators, he cited the GDP as a key measure of the state of businesses in Ghana.
Mr Badu-Aboagye highlighted the concerning trend in the growth of GDP, indicating that most sectors are not performing well.
According to him, the industry sector, in particular, has recorded negative growth consistently throughout 2023, revealing the overall challenges faced by businesses.
“As of the third quarter of 2023, the growth of GDP was 2%. And when you look at the details you will realise that most of the sectors are not doing well. Consistently from the beginning of the year to now. The industry sector has recorded negative growth. It’s only in the last quarter that the manufacturing sector recorded a 2% growth. So it shows clearly that businesses are not doing well.
“If they are doing well, they produce a lot and by multiplying it by the market value, you will see that your GDP will go higher. So it’s not far-fetched, if the government wants to know the state of businesses in Ghana, just check the GDP.”
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
