GRA Locks X-Wan Mining Over GH¢3.5 Million Unpaid Tax Despite 12-Month Grace

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has shut down X-Wan Mining Services, a Chinese-owned quarry company in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region, after the company failed to settle a significant tax debt despite being granted a 12-month grace period.
On the morning of Tuesday, July 9, officials from the GRA’s Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) in Sunyani, in collaboration with the Area Enforcement Unit, stormed the company’s quarry site located at Ayaayo and locked the premises using padlocks and commissioner’s tape in a high-profile enforcement action.
According to the GRA, X-Wan Mining Services owes a total tax liability of GH¢9,322,094.52, accrued from 2020 to 2022. This figure comprises a principal tax amount of GH¢6,538,329.60 and an interest penalty of GH¢2,783,764.92. Although the company managed to pay part of the debt, an outstanding amount of GH¢3,480,868.45 remains unpaid.
Mr. Charles Antwi Boasiako, Manager of the GRA Taxpayer Service Centre in Sunyani, revealed that in March 2023, the company formally requested a payment plan due to their inability to pay the full liability at once. A 12-month installment arrangement was granted, with a final payment deadline set for February 2024.
“They acknowledged the liability and wrote to the Commissioner-General seeking to pay in monthly installments. Their request was approved in April 2022. Unfortunately, they failed to comply with the agreed schedule,” Mr. Boasiako said in an interview with Ark FM’s Kaakyire Kwasi Afari.
He emphasized that after several reminders and failed promises, the GRA had no option but to activate its enforcement mandate.
“We exhausted all administrative processes. Since our efforts to recover the remaining debt were unsuccessful, we had to fall on our legal enforcement tools to compel compliance,” he added.
The shutdown of the facility, which employs about 40 staff, has brought all quarry activities to a halt. GRA officials have indicated that the company will remain closed under strict monitoring until the full tax arrears are paid.
Mr. Boasiako noted that while tax compliance in the Bono Region has generally improved, this case should serve as a warning to defaulters.
“We commend compliant taxpayers, but we must also be firm on those who refuse to do the right thing. We urge companies with financial constraints to engage with us early. Waiting until enforcement is not in their best interest,” he warned.
The GRA says it will continue its regional crackdown on tax evasion and non-compliance, especially from companies that have failed to meet their obligations after receiving leniency or extended payment terms.
This latest action signals the Authority’s resolve to close Ghana’s revenue gap and ensure that all businesses, both local and foreign, contribute their fair share to national development.
Source: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari, Ark FM, Sunyani