The Compliance and Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is stressing the importance of companies issuing Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices, emphasizing that failure to do so constitutes a criminal offense punishable by law.

Joseph Annan, the Area Enforcement Manager of GRA responsible for Accra Central, has stated that the unit will enhance its enforcement efforts to crack down on businesses that either fail to issue tax invoices or provide invoices not authorized by the Commissioner-General.

Annan further explained that some businesses were generating their own VAT invoices, while others were selectively issuing them.

He highlighted that the VAT Act outlined penalties for such violations, which could include a fine of up to one hundred penalty units, a prison term of up to six months, or both.

Additionally, offenders may be required to pay a penalty amounting to a maximum of GH¢50,000 or three times the tax amount involved.

He added, "Customers who dodge the operation cannot run away from the law, because they will be caught unexpectedly.”

During their recent operation, the GRA team conducted visits to several businesses located in the Ayawaso West Municipal District, including Hansen Decor City, Boost Electronics, De’lish Restaurant, Heiress Flair Boutique, Max pro-Auto Parts, Relay Express Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services, Julie-Joan Enterprise, House of Fabrics, Dong Chebe Kretons, Fresh Angels, Gi-Fred Enterprise, Milans Star Fabrics, and About Office Ghana Limited.

Out of these visited shops, ten were officially summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Unit of the Ghana Police Service for further investigation. Additionally, two shop managers were arrested as a precautionary measure.

According to the asaasenews.com report, these managers were subsequently taken to the customs office at the headquarters to provide their statements before being handed over to the CID.