Ghana’s banks will begin charging value-added taxes on some services excluding loans by the end of March 2014.
This decision has been announced by Daniel Mensah, executive officer at Ghana Association of Bankers Chief Executive, which is currently in talks with the ministry of finance, Bank of Ghana and the country’s revenue agency.
Mensah said: "It’s going to make the cost of people getting financial services more expensive.
"The areas they initially outlined for the tax to apply was virtually everything, that’s why we are meeting with them to clarify and to agree".
Mensah also added that the levy will not be placed on lending and that the VAT on bank services will be 15%.
Ghanaian finance minister Seth Terkper raised the VAT on goods and services to 15% from 12.5% in 2013.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe aim of this VAT’s increase was the one of boosting revenue, after the fall of gold and cocoa prices and the rise of government wages.
Terkper acknowledged in November 2013 that Ghana would have overshot its 9% deficit target at the end of last year.
Related articles:
First National rolls out vans to extend banking services
GTBank Ghana to expand retail banking business in Kumasi
FNB to expand retail banking business to Ghana and Nigeria: Reports