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The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, has described government’s decision to suspend the implementation of the benchmarks policy as a victory to the Ghanaian people.
Sammy Gyamfi in a Facebook post applauded the efforts of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) as well as the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana for making sure government did not go through with the proposed implementation of the benchmark policy.
President Akufo-Addo, during a meeting with officials of the GRA and other stakeholders, ordered the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to hold on with the scheduled implementation of the reversal of the benchmark values for broader consultations on the subject before any new decision is made.
“Folks, this is victory for the Ghanaian people. Kudos to GUTA, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana and all those who stood against the callous decision by government to reverse benchmark values counts on imports”, the Communications Officer of the NDC wrote.
Describing the said policy as a draconian initiative, he added that “together, we have averted what was going to be one of the most draconian and devastating economic policies in Ghana’s history. We have demonstrated that the power of the people is powerful than the people in power. But until this draconian policy is totally dropped by government, we must rest not. Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!”
President Akufo-Addo while noting that the suspension will help all players to brood over and come to terms with the policy before its final implementation further gave a deadline of January 17 for all consultations to come to an end for a new path.
Meanwhile, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng, has welcomed the president’s directive to GRA for the suspension of  the reversal of the benchmark value policy.
The association, together with other associations like the Importers and Exporters Association, had earlier opposed the reversal of the benchmark value policy by government.
He intimated that the widespread rejoicing over the suspension is indicative of the fact that livelihoods of its members largely depend on this policy and government’s new directive will help safeguard these livelihoods.
