The domestic tax division taskforce of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has detained eight retail business and restaurant managers for willfully failing to issue VAT invoices to consumers.
The arrests add to a total of 93 individuals currently being investigated and prosecuted.
The taskforce conducted a targeted operation in East Legon and Adenta, specifically targeting non-compliant managers.
Shops the GRA cracked down on included Tasty Treats Catering Services at the University of Ghana, Legon, Luxi Wear, Obsession, Eco Furniture, Paladin Doors, AB Tissues & More and TF Eatry.
At Tasty Treats Catering Services for example, the GRA picked up some invoices and receipts for further assessment after suspicion of tax evasion.
According to the GRA, the eatery has been engaging in selective VAT issuance after sales.
The manager of the facility has been arrested for further interrogation.
The GRA team during the arrest said: “we have been here before, and we transacted business with you, and you were supposed to issue the Commissioner General’s invoice as a VAT registered taxpayer, and you did not and under our laws, Section 41, it is an offence, and so we are going to immediately hand you over to the CID to carry on with the next line of action.”