Ghanaian artisans warn government, demanding immediate regulation of foreign artisans to stop tax evasion

Ghanaian artisans warn government, demanding immediate regulation of foreign artisans to stop tax evasion

The President of the Artisans Association of Ghana, Mr. Gideon Biddor, has issued a strong caution to the government regarding the unregulated operations of foreign artisans in the country, describing the current situation as a violation of the Constitution.

According to him, The engineering LI says all the engineering practiceners must be licensed, but this LI is not working in the informal sector. the influx of foreign nationals performing engineering, maintenance, and vocational tasks without proper oversight is undermining the local industry, compromising work standards, and causing significant revenue losses for the state.

Mr. Gideon Biddor pointed out that in many other jurisdictions, foreign artisans are required by law to possess valid work permits and register with local professional bodies. "This allows for the supervision of their work and ensures there is a record of accountability in the event of an emergency or poor workmanship.

"Currently, many foreigners come to Ghana to work, and the Association has no idea whether they were brought in by specific ministries or the government," Mr. Biddor stated. "

He said, because these foreign artisans do not register with them, they cannot verify the quality of their work. Adding that yet, when issues arise after they have left the country, the local Association is often unfairly blamed.

The Association's President expressed particular frustration over the unfair tax burden placed on local artisans compared to their foreign counterparts. He noted that while local hairdressers, tailors, and seamstresses are consistently targeted for tax collection, foreign workers often operate for months on lucrative contracts without contributing a pesewa in taxes.

"It is unacceptable that our local artisans are squeezed for taxes while foreign maintenance workers operate for three to four months tax-free. This is a massive loss of revenue for the government," he remarked.

The Artisans Association is therefore calling on the government to make it compulsory that any foreign national brought into the country for vocational or technical work must report to the national association. Mr . Gideon Bidor emphasized that this is the only way to ensure they are properly taxed and held to the same standards as local practitioners.

He concluded by warning that it is a breach of the law for any ministry or private company to bypass these disclosure protocols, urging the government to prioritize the enforcement of vocational labor laws to protect the interests of the nation and its local artisans.