For failing to indulge the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA), spokesperson on Governance and Security Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has rendered an apology on behalf of government.

Parliament on March 24, 2023, approved Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2022, Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill, 2022, Ghana Revenue Authority Bill 2022 and Income Tax Amendment Bill 2022, which have been assented to by President Akufo-Addo.

This took place despite objections from stakeholders in the business industry such as GUTA.

Speaking on TV3 on Wednesday, GUTA’s President Dr Joseph Obeng noted that his outfit feels disrespected as government failed to engage them to come to an agreement.

Accepting the concerns raised by GUTA on the show, Mr Boakye-Danquah apologised to GUTA “for the lack of consultation”.

He, however, disclosed that the bills are not new as being perceived by the stakeholders.

“These bills that have been assented [to] by the President were already in place,” he stated.

“These are amendments that have been made to these bills to further boost our economy.”

He said countries that have developed “have paid good taxes” and he has no doubt that the new taxes will do more good than harm.