It claimed that MOTI in a media report accused the Small Scale Rice Dealers Association of Ghana (SSRIDA) of tax evasion and smuggling of rice despite the ban on its activities since 2013.

 

     A statement issued by Mr Godfred Nkrumah, Co-ordinating Director of BIA at the weekend and copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra, said despite the allegations on January 28, 2014, MOTI received a report from the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), about rice imports through the Western Frontier-Sunyani Collection.

 

     The statement said the report, which was addressed to the Chief Director at the ministry was headlined: “Authenticating copies of SAD forms and assessing impact of rice imports through the Western Frontier-Sunyani Collection.”

 

     It claimed that the exercise, which targeted SSRIDA members took the team members to Gonokrom, Kofi Badukrom, Nkrakwanta and Osei Kojokrom.

 

    “All copies of entry forms submitted by the MOTI for verification were genuine and originated from the stations indicated; all relevant taxes were paid; values applied conformed to values given by Commissioner per memorandum of August 3, 2013, and revenue from rice imports is a major source of tax for the Sunyani Collection,” the statement said.

 

    BIA said to avoid any doubt in the minds of the public the Trade Ministry should published the full GRA report.

 

     It said an independent investigative team set up by MOTI has revealed that members of SSRIDA used unapproved routes to bring their goods and only import broken rice, in order to attract a paltry amount of tax.