Els: MBN360 Economy
The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has given the government an ultimatum: halt the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and restore the flat rate system, or face widespread protests. GUTA argues the VAT has led to increased prices, hurting businesses and consumers. They’re demanding a reversal to the previous flat rate system, citing economic hardship and unfair tax practices [1][2][3].
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has urged traders to comply with the VAT regulations, emphasizing its role in national development. The dispute highlights tensions between traders and the government over tax policies.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 GUTA President Clement Boateng warned that the current implementation of the Act is stifling the trading community and could lead to widespread industrial action if their grievances are not addressed.
GUTA argued that most of the traders under their trade fall below the input threshold making the said VAT reform high, and sky-rocketing prices.
GUTA further stated that the complex nature of the current VAT structure makes it unattractive and difficult to comply with. Mr. Boateng, who chaired a meeting emphasised that for the informal sector which makes up the bulk of Ghana’s economy, simplicity is the key to tax compliance.
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“We are calling on the government to review the VAT Act 1151 urgently. The status quo must be restored to a 3% to 4% flat rate for the informal sector,” Boateng stated. “This is the only way to make compliance easy and realistic for the average trader.”
GUTA argues that the current standard rate system is administratively burdensome for small-scale importers and retailers, leading to unintended tax evasion and friction between traders and GRA officials.
Rather than hiking rates or complicating the process for existing taxpayers, GUTA suggests that the GRA focuses on horizontal growth. Mr. Boateng challenged the revenue authority to step out of their offices and onto the shop floors to ascertain the true situation on the ground.
”GRA should intensify trader registration and education to broaden the tax net and increase revenue,” Boateng urged. “Instead of over-taxing the few who are already compliant, let us find the thousands who are outside the system.”
The Union also suggested that government should make VAT registration an attractive prospect rather than a purely punitive one.
“Introduce incentives for shops and retail outlets to mandatorily register and pay VAT. When you broaden the tax base through incentives, the burden on the individual trader lessens, and national revenue naturally climbs,” the GUTA President added.
