Dr Gideon Boako, spokesperson for Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has disclosed that government will soon clamp down on the activities of illegal importers across the country as part of measures to increase revenue.

He said some importers smuggle goods from neighbouring countries through unapproved entry points, which denies the state huge sums of money for the country’s development.

Speaking to UTV, he cautioned the importers involved in the criminal acts, including truck drivers and their agents, to desist from the practice to avoid prosecution.

During the town hall meeting on Wednesday, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Chairman of the Economic Management Team (EMT), said the benchmark value of import duties have been slashed by 50 percent while that of vehicles would enjoy 30 percent reduction.

According to Dr Boako, the recent reduction in import duties should encourage illegal importers to channel their products through the right avenues to ensure effective revenue mobilization for national progress.

“The government’s decision to reduce taxes while putting in place measures to mobilize more revenue domestically shows how government is keen on responding to financial challenges and therefore any attempt to thwart government’s efforts will face tough resistance,” he added.

Dr. Gideon Boako explained that the reduction in the benchmark import values is significant and will result in long-term returns, adding that importers should ensure that the reduction also reflects in the lives of ordinaary Ghanaians.

He explained that the Vice President Dr. Bawumia and Economic Management Team, after thorough investigation into the concerns raised by importers and Ghanaians regarding high import duties, took steps to help Ghanaian importers.

“This alludes to fact that the Akufo-Addo administration is a listening government that always has the interest of Ghanaians at heart.”