GRA arrests China Mall staff at Ashaiman, Weija and Nsawam over E-VAT invoices

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has apprehended officials from China Mall branches in Ashaiman, Weija, and Nsawam amid allegations of tax evasion. This operation, driven by intelligence and mystery shopping endeavors, uncovered sales transactions that were not recorded on the GRA's approved Electronic VAT (E-VAT) system. Upon purchasing items at the outlets, GRA officers verified whether their purchases were documented on the official platform.

Discrepancies were found, suggesting possible diversion of sales. Head of the GRA’s Revenue Protection Unit, Wisdom Kofi Xetor, stated that investigations are underway to determine the extent of the suspected tax evasion. He cautioned that the Authority would pursue prosecution, including sentences of up to five years, should deliberate breaches be confirmed.

The operation targeted the three outlets in Ashaiman, Weija, and Nsawam, where officers identified transactions absent from the GRA’s system. While the identities of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed, the Authority asserts that this operation is part of broader initiatives to enhance tax compliance and mitigate revenue leakages among retailers.