Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah
THE CHAMBER of Cement manufacturers (COGMAG) has denied evading taxes on imported clinker at the port.
This follows reports in the media that cement manufacturing companies have shortchanged Ghana by over $100 million in import duties and taxes on tonnes of clinker they imported into the country over the last five years.
Executive Secretary, COGMAG, Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, states: “We are saddened by the fact that investigators of the said report did not contact the cement manufacturers during the survey to verify figures before making such allegations. Cement manufacturers have been in the industry for many years and have been loyal and consistent with their financial obligations. We want to assure the industry that our members are committed to promoting the sector and as such will not manipulate the system for any personal gains.”
“I can authoritatively say that about 3.4 million tons of clinker was imported in 2018, with all relevant duties and taxes paid by the cement manufacturers. We dare them to authenticate the figures. Cement manufacturers are credible companies and cannot resort to such illegal transactions” he said and called for reconciliation from the writer and thereafter an unqualified apology.
“It is even worthy to note that the ports of Tema and Takoradi are not the only ports of entry into the country. Diamond Cement imports from Togo and other country through Togo port. Then Savannah Diamond Cement produced clinker locally and partially imports from Togo, as such in calculating the composition of clinker into the production of cement, all the sources of importation must be accounted for”.
“The importation of clinker involves a lot of agencies and therefore manipulation of quantities is highly impossible. This is an international shipment covered by documentation from port of origin and port of destination so such allegations must not be tolerated”
The Executive Secretary added: “The system at the ports in Tema and Takoradi are so rigid and cannot be easily manipulated especially with bulk cargo such as clinker. The cement manufacturers are ready to reconcile their importation figures with any investigations being carried out”.