HO : V/R MDAs accused of thwarting efforts of VAT Service

Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Volta Region, have been accused of thwarting the efforts of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Service in Ho to rake revenue for government.    

Mr Eric Awuni, in charge of Finance and Administration of VAT Office in Ho, who made the allegation, cited that in 2009, only one District Assembly and one Municipal Assembly in the Region furnished the Service with statements of VAT paid by contractors and suppliers.

He was speaking at a seminar for Heads of MDAs and other stakeholders from the Region on Wednesday, on the theme: “the obligations of MDAs and MMDAs as agents of VAT Service.”

Mr Awuni accused some MDAs of transacting business with individuals and business entities that have not registered with the VAT Service in contravention of the Financial Administration Act 2003 and cautioned offenders to “repent” to avoid sanctions.

He said that officials of MDAs are “key partners and collaborators” in the mobilization of revenue for the State.    

Mr. Awuni asked them to issue VAT invoice to individual suppliers and businesses they deal with.    

He advised the MDAs to contact the VAT Service for VAT invoice, which should be issued on behalf of unregistered traders and suppliers in respect of payment for work done, goods supplied or services rendered in accordance with the VAT Act.    

Mr Peter Danso Kyeremanten, Volta Regional Director of VAT Services, said government needed to maximize revenue from domestic sources to finance its budget and reduce the country’s dependence on donor support.    

He asked the MDAs and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to help the VAT Service to discharge its duties.

GNA