Trader fined two million cedis for breaking VAT Law

Sekondi, Dec 2, GNA - A Sekondi Circuit Court on Tuesday fined Edwin Intsiful, a Valued Added Tax (VAT) registered trader in Takoradi, two million cedis for contravening the VAT Law.

Intsiful, whose shop is registered as "Mr. Yesterday," pleaded guilty to failure to issue Vat Invoice and would serve two years imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Alex Nyarko said the accused and seven other traders were arrested last year for issuing their own receipts instead of VAT invoices by a team of VAT officials during a special exercise.

He said all the arrested traders were put before court with seven of them admitting the offence and their cases were disposed of.

Inspector Nyarko said Intsiful pleaded not guilty and his case was adjourned and had been going on for one year.

The presiding Judge, Mr Alex Owusu Ofori, advised VAT registered traders to discharge their obligations to the state.

He warned Intsiful that the court would not deal leniently with him if he were brought before it for the same offence.

The accused promised to be of good behaviour and abide by the VAT Law.