Takoradi, Oct. 10, GNA - Professor George Djan-Baffour, a Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, at the weekend inaugurated new offices for the Value Added Tax (VAT) Service at Takoradi and reiterated the Government's commitment to facilitating compliance by the taxpayer.

Prof Djan-Baffour, who stood in for the Finance Minister Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu at the ceremony, said it was to give meaning to this objective that the Government introduced in last budget statement new measures, including incentives to close off potential tax loopholes and to simplify the system.

He said the reform objective would also see the institution of a VAT clearance certificate dispensation, which would be geared towards the enhancement of compliance with VAT laws by businesses. =93These initiatives are evidence of the Government's continued commitment to a tax system that is simple, fair and equitable and which underpins the country's continued economic growth and progress,=94 he held.

Prof Djan-Baffour urged officials of revenue agencies to demonstrate good customer care skills, professionalism and unshakable commitment to work, in order to engender voluntary compliance by the taxpayer.

He said tax officials who indulge in malpractices, dishonest activities, laziness and absenteeism, should know that they are denying access to people who truly depend on essential services being provided by the Government with tax revenue.

"Such officials hamper progress, encourage poverty and fuel crime,=94 he said and warned that there is no place in the revenue agencies for people who think they can enrich themselves at the expense of other law abiding citizens.

Mr Anthony Ewereko Miniah, Commissioner of VAT, urged the staff at the Takoradi VAT Office to make maximum use of facilities at their disposal to increase revenue collection.

The occasion also marked the first Western Regional taxpayers' recognition awards ceremony, during which some 32 companies and individuals were presented with plagues and certificates for paying their taxes promptly.