The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the Bono Region has taken stringent enforcement action against X-Wan Mining Services, a Chinese-owned quarry company operating at Ayaayo in the Wenchi Municipality, for defaulting on taxes amounting to over GH¢9.3 million.
On the morning of Tuesday, July 9, officials from the Sunyani Taxpayer Service Centre, under the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), in collaboration with the Area Enforcement Unit, stormed the premises of X-Wan Mining and shut down its operations. The facility was sealed off with padlocks and commissioner’s tape as part of GRA’s tax recovery strategy.
According to official records from the GRA, the company accrued a total tax debt of GH¢9,322,094.52 between 2020 and 2022. This amount includes a principal liability of GH¢6,538,329.60 and additional interest of GH¢2,783,764.92. Despite efforts by the GRA to recover the full amount, the company still owes GH¢3,480,868.45, which led to the shutdown.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Charles Antwi Boasiako, the Manager of the Sunyani GRA Taxpayer Service Centre, noted that the GRA had been patient and had exhausted all avenues for an amicable resolution. He explained that the company had initially acknowledged the debt and, in March 2023, formally requested a 12-month installment payment plan to settle the arrears by February 2024.
“A liability was established for them. In response, they requested a payment plan, which was granted in April 2022. However, they failed to honor their end of the agreement,” Mr. Boasiako said.
He stressed that the GRA had no choice but to resort to enforcement measures after repeated follow-ups proved unsuccessful.
“We have done everything possible to get them to comply. Since they refused to pay despite the grace period and flexible payment plan, we had to shut down their operations. This action is necessary to compel them to settle the remaining debt,” he stated.
The closure of X-Wan Mining Services affects the livelihood of about 40 employees and brings all quarry activities at the site to a standstill. The GRA says the site will remain closed until the company clears the outstanding tax liabilities in full.
Mr. Boasiako reiterated the GRA’s commitment to enhancing tax compliance across the region. He praised the majority of businesses in the Bono Region for their adherence to tax obligations but warned that those who continue to default would face similar enforcement actions.
“We’re reminding all businesses that tax payment is a legal obligation. If anyone is facing genuine challenges, our doors are open. Come and let us know before it gets to this level. The laws must be enforced, and we are determined to do just that,” he cautioned.
The GRA’s action against X-Wan Mining Services is seen as a signal to all companies that the era of tax impunity is over. As Ghana continues to grapple with revenue mobilization challenges, the GRA says it will intensify its monitoring and enforcement efforts to ensure fairness, accountability, and national development.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari, Ark FM, Sunyani
