This is part of a renewed drive to strengthen tax compliance and foster strategic partnerships with the private sector.

The visit formed part of the GRA’s stakeholder engagement strategy to deepen mutual understanding with key industry players and promote a collaborative approach to tax administration.

The Commissioner-General and his team were taken on a detailed tour of the facility to gain firsthand insight into the company’s production processes and operational dynamics.

In discussions with Coca-Cola’s management, Mr. Sarpong emphasised the importance of strategic cooperation in addressing national challenges such as smuggling, counterfeiting, and revenue leakages. He stated:

“We are in a war against smuggling, a threat that undermines national development. The private sector cannot be left to fight this battle alone.

“At GRA, we are deploying a combination of intelligence gathering, satellite surveillance, and robust human resource strategies to curb these illegal activities. This collaborative effort is essential to safeguarding the integrity of our economy.”

The Commissioner-General also announced the upcoming launch of “Sustained Tax Education,” a national initiative aimed at promoting voluntary tax compliance through public education and awareness campaigns.

The initiative will focus on deepening citizens’ understanding of tax policies, obligations, and the benefits of compliance.

The Managing Director of the West Africa Business Unit of the Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company, bottlers of Coca-Cola beverages in North and West Africa, Felix Gomis, welcomed the GRA’s visit and reiterated the company’s commitment to full compliance with Ghana’s tax laws.

“We appreciate this engagement with the GRA and value the opportunity to strengthen our partnership. Responsible corporate citizenship and support for national development remain central to our operations,” Mr Gomis said.

The visit highlighted the GRA’s commitment to proactive stakeholder engagement, in line with President John Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” which prioritises business survival, job creation, revenue mobilisation, and sustainable development.

Mr. Sarpong was accompanied by senior officials of the Authority, including Brigadier General Glover Anang, Commissioner of Customs; Mrs. Elsie Appau-Klu, Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General; and Mr. Eric Bonney, Assistant Commissioner, Preventive Customs Division.

Source : Joy Business

In 2020, Coca-Cola partnered with the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund to raise funds through the sales of 1.5litre Coca-Cola bottle, pledging to donate 10 pesewas from each sale towards the operations of the fund.

Coca-Cola made its third and latest donation to the trustees of the fund on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, bringing its total contribution to the fund to GHS745,955.

“It is our pleasure to be here to support the community and to complement the effort of the Ghana government and to also complement the effort of the management of the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund, making sure we are all contributing to fighting the Covid-19 situation,” says Managing Director for West African Countries Business Unit of Coca-Cola, Felis Gomis.

He also announced that the company will be extending the fundraising effort to the end of 2021.

Managing Trustee of the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund, Senyo Hosi, who received the donation, said: “I am very excited and as usual anytime Coca-Cola is here you show you are living what you say that ‘together tastes better’ and you have not left the people of Ghana behind in this fight.

“In the fight you’ve been together with the people to make sure the victory over Covid will actually tastes better.”

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Mr Hosi indicated that the donation will contribute to the maintenance of the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre and the construction of which was spearheaded by the Covid-19 Private Sector Fund.

The Fund is an initiative of well-meaning business executives in support of government’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its fundraising and activism culminated in the construction of Ghana’s first and only infectious disease centre in 100 days at the Ga East Municipal Hospital.

The facility is currently being used as one of the main treatment centres for critically ill Covid-19 patients.