The DCE speaking to the media
The District Chief Executive [DCE] of Sisala West in the Upper West region, Mr. Moses Dramani Luri has pledged his support to farmers of the area to accomplish their goals.
This came to light, in the wake of speculations of the intent of the Assembly to increases export levy on farm produce ahead of the 2014 harvest season.
Speaking to the media in Gwollu, the DCE denied allegations of increasing export tax levy on a bag of maize to GH¢1.00. He revealed that, the intention of the various committees in charge of approving the levy is to announce the new price in the coming weeks.
The DCE assured members of Masara N’ Ariziki farmers association and the entire farming community of his commitment and willingness in ensuring an enabling environment for their sustenance and expansion.
“It is in my interest for our gallant farmers to maximize profit and to improve on their standard of living, even if it will take us to review taxes to barest minimum,” he noted.
The vociferous DCE commended the members of the Masara N’ ariziki Farmers Association for their numerous contribution in helping farmers of the area and pledged his continues support in complementing their efforts to eradicate poverty among the people. He also applauded the Association for aiding them in areas of revenue generation through the purchase of vehicles meant for tax collection and running of errands for the assembly.
Touching on peace and security of the inhabitants, Mr. Moses Dramani commended the chiefs and people of the area for achieving an enviable mark in the area of peaceful coexistence.
Farmers in the two Sisala Districts have appealed to the District Assemblies to review what they described as high import tax levy enshrined in the District Assembly by laws.
Most farmers have buttressed their appeal in recognition of the bad weather pattern characterized in the season. According to them, the inconsistent bad weather pattern has the potential of affecting yields this season.
They have therefore justified their calls on a perpetual 1% levy on the guarantee price of maize per bag on annual basis, as the best way of addressing their grievances for mutual benefit.
According to media investigations the Assembly in consultation with stakeholders are dialoging to reach a consensus.