The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) says the proposal by the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to implement a new flat tax regime along with a tax amnesty is a step in the right direction and will significantly boost their businesses.

As part of his vision to strengthen businesses in Ghana, Dr. Bawumia has pledged to reform the current tax system through the introduction of a tax amnesty and flat tax rate for individuals and businesses.

At an interactive session with Dr. Bawumia on Friday in Accra, GUTA President, Dr. Joseph Obeng Darko welcomed the tax reform proposal.

"We agree with your flat tax proposal because it will simplify things for us and help our businesses to grow." 

"The reason why we like the tax amnesty and flat tax rate policy is that if you give us the amnesty and the flat tax rate, it will help our businesses."

"It means that we are going to do the right thing which will be benchmarked against the next 5 years as you have proposed", the GUTA President remarked.

Dr. Obeng Darko added; "This is the best thing you could have given us...We are not politicians but we are rational human beings and businessmen and women."

Dr. Bawumia, during the session, took time to respond to every issue and suggestion GUTA made and assured them of his commitment to working together with them if elected President to ensure a more conducive business environment.

The NPP flagbearer said his proposed tax reforms are well thought out to ensure Ghana replicates the best business-friendly tax system to help businesses grow.

He assured GUTA of his commitment to implement the tax reforms which include the introduction of flat duty on containers for spare parts as well as benchmarking Ghana's import duty with that of Togo to curb smuggling.