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TRADERS in Freetown complains about the introduction of GST |
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Written by Zainu Bassie
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Sunday, 24 January 2010 |
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Petty traders in Freetown have expressed concern over the hike in prices of basic commodities which they say is caused by the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax GST.
The Chairlady of the Garrison Street Market Salamatu Sesay said since the GST was introduced this year, importers had increased the prices of commodities like sugar and onions. She told CTN that the importers always complained that the fifteen percent levied on goods under the GST had brought about a rippling effect on other commodities. He said the situation was affecting their businesses. Alfred Akibo-Betts is the Deputy Commissioner of the Goods and Services Tax at the National Revenue Authority. She said the government could possibly consider reducing the fifteen percent threshold on the goods taxed under the GST based on the revenue collected. Mr. Akibo-Betts said they had retrained their staff to inform the public adequately about the GST. The introduction of the GST which the NRA says is replacing seven different types of taxes led to the close down of shops across the country for two consecutive days. Many media analysts say the public was not well informed about the tax before it was introduced at the start of this month.
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