Some NGO’s call on gov’t to wave off taxes on goods they import for charity

Some philanthropic groups in the Western Region are calling on the government to wave off taxes and duties on goods and other materials they import.

This was revealed by the General Secretary for Ahanta Association, Mr Emmanuel Quaison in an interview with Skyy News posited that excessive bureaucracy in importing materials to support the needy in the Ghanaian society hampers their philanthropic activities.

As if that is not enough, the government duties and taxes on imported material for philanthropic works deter them from importing first-grade materials for philanthropic work.

“If the government will do away with the excessive bureaucracy and taxes placed on the things we import for philanthropic works, we can do more for the needy in the society…for we don’t wish to import second-hand materials for philanthropic activities but some of us are compelled to do so because of excessive taxes involved in importing high-grade goods,” he said.

Mr Quaison made this revelation to Skyy news during a donation of medical items to the Sekondi School for the deaf by the Ahanta Association.

The association donated Medical items and confectionaries worth GHS52,000.00 to the school

The items include a Screening Audiometer, ear washing machine, Autoscope, basic eating aids, audiometer, nebulizers, glucometer.

The Association which is based in UK and Ireland has been embarking on strategic philanthropic strategic activities in the Western region.

DONATION

Mr Quason, speaking to journalists after handing over the items to the school, posited that the emergence of Covid 19 did affect every facet of life, hence the association thought it wise to support the less privileged in the society to better their lives.

He added that the donation is not the first of its kind as the Association continuously support some hospital and schools in the region.

”The year 2020 and 2021 were very difficult years, the Covid pandemic did affect every aspect of our life, so children were struggling so we decided to go and help children who have special needs, our aim is to help them with anything that is making life difficult for them”

Mr Quasion entreated the school Authorities to ensure that the items are used judiciously to benefit the children.

Health Director for Shama District, Mrs Judith Okai, receiving the items on behalf of the school expressed profound gratitude to Ahanta Association for the kind gesture as”the items presented will go a long way to help the entire District and surrounding regions”