In a bold enforcement operation, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the Bono Region has shut down a Chinese-owned quarry company, X-Wan Mining Services, over its failure to pay a significant portion of accumulated tax liabilities amounting to GH¢3.5 million.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, took place at the company’s quarry site in Ayaayo, a community within the Wenchi Municipality. Officers from the GRA’s Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) in Sunyani, in collaboration with the Area Enforcement Unit, locked up the company’s premises using padlocks and official commissioner’s tape as a strong message to defaulting businesses.
According to the GRA, X-Wan Mining Services owes a total tax debt of GH¢9,322,094.52, which includes a principal liability of GH¢6,538,329.60 and accumulated interest of GH¢2,783,764.92 spanning from 2020 to 2022. Despite a payment agreement reached in 2023, the company has so far failed to fulfill the terms, with GH¢3,480,868.45 still outstanding.
Mr. Charles Antwi Boasiako, Manager of the Sunyani GRA Taxpayer Service Centre, explained to the media that multiple efforts were made to help the company clear its debt amicably. He disclosed that in March 2023, X-Wan Mining Services formally requested a 12-month installment payment plan to settle its tax liabilities by February 2024 — a request that was granted.
“A liability was established for them to pay. Subsequently, they wrote to the Commissioner-General requesting an installment payment plan. This was approved in April 2022,” Mr. Boasiako explained.
However, the company defaulted on the agreed payment schedule, prompting the GRA to initiate enforcement measures.
“We have done all we could to recover the full liability. Since they failed to honour the agreement, we had no option but to resort to our enforcement tools. That is why we have decided to shut down their operations until they do the needful,” Mr. Boasiako emphasized.
The shutdown affects about 40 employees at the quarry site and has completely halted operations. GRA officials say the company will remain closed under close surveillance until it pays off the outstanding debt.
Mr. Boasiako also used the opportunity to commend businesses in the Bono Region for their general compliance with tax regulations, but warned that the GRA will not hesitate to take similar action against defaulters.
“We are urging all businesses to pay their taxes regularly. If you’re facing challenges, don’t wait until enforcement begins — come to our office and let’s find a solution. The law is clear, and we are fully committed to ensuring compliance,” he cautioned.
The GRA’s action against X-Wan Mining Services is part of a broader effort to clamp down on tax evasion and boost government revenue collection. Authorities believe such enforcement will serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of tax responsibility among companies operating in Ghana.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari, Ark FM, Sunyani
