Revenue bosses asked to collaborate

Mr. Oupa Magashula, acting Commissioner of South African Revenue Service has advised tax commissioners in the various African countries to form alliances to brainstorm on the possible modalities to combat the devastating global financial meltdown and its negative impact on the continent.

“Africa should be able to dialogue, interact and share ideas to find solution to the problems of the effect of the global financial crisis on Africa,” he said.

Mr. Magashula who made these known to B&FT in Accra explained that the current financial crisis is devastating and if the various countries do not co-operate, the consequences will be most devastating.

"If we don't co-operate to solve the situation on hand, the poverty threat in the continent will worsen and we will all go down in the economic slum," he said.

He observed that the developed countries are looking out for ways to shift the huge losses recorded in their balance sheets to African countries.

Briefing the media on the meeting of the steering committee of African Tax Commissioners Forum (ATAF) from seven African countries including Ghana, Botswana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and representative from Cameroon, Mr. Magashula explained that the objective of the forum was to discuss the final draft constitution prior to its inauguration by the end of the year.

The meeting also afforded participant the opportunity to take stock of the progress toward the successful establishment of the ATAF.

Major (Rtd) Daniel Ablorh-Quarcoo, Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indicated that the creation of the Forum is to strengthen tax administration in Africa and also to create platform to share experiences, encourage and support new partnerships as well as promote co-operation.

“The forum as part of its mandated is to formulate new direction for tax policy administration which will reflect African needs and strategies.

It will as well to assist African governments meet their monetary commitment for national development and thereby reduce dependency on donors,” he emphasised.