The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is intensifying its initiatives to improve tax collection and boost adherence to regulations, which supports the government’s larger plan to revitalize the country’s economy.
Following this, Acting Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong has presented a detailed plan aimed at expanding the tax base, targeting a substantial revenue collection of GH¢200 billion by 2025, along with enacting business-oriented changes to encourage self-assessment adherence.
During an X Space conversation jointly hosted with the High Street Journal, IMANI Ghana, and NorvanReports at the event centered around the theme,
‘Resetting Ghana’s revenue mobilisation’
On Tuesday, May 7, 2025, Mr. Sarpong emphasized the necessity for the tax authority to implement strategies that efficiently gather the required funds for the government.
“Taxpayers are our clients, and we need to establish public trust and confidence in the taxation process. Achieving this will enable us to generate the necessary funds to back the country’s revitalization plan,” Mr. Sarpong emphasized.
Broadening the tax net
One of the key elements of GRA’s updated strategy revolves around broadening the tax base to encompass sectors and people who were formerly not part of the official taxation framework. This effort includes utilizing technological tools and integrating data to locate additional taxpayers and integrate them into the system.
By leveraging data analytics and integrating systems with other organizations, we can now recognize registered enterprises and persons, aligning their actions with corresponding tax responsibilities,” he said. “This applies equally to the informal sector, which we aim to address using mobile financial services and various data sources.
The part played by organizational cooperation
The Commissioner-General highlighted collaborations with crucial organizations like the Registrar of Companies and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as essential components of this initiative. Through system integration using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) seeks to obtain pertinent data to pinpoint businesses and individuals not adhering to regulations.
Mr. Sarpong mentioned that they have initiated talks with theRegistrar of Companies to guarantee all businesses and individualsregistered with them are linked to their database.
People will submit their Social Security details due to its link with retirement benefits, yet they may avoid paying taxes. Therefore, it’s crucial for us to partner with institutions such as SSNIT to pinpoint these non-compliant businesses and guarantee adherence to tax laws.
GH¢200bn revenue target in 2025
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) aims to generate at least GH₵200 billion in tax revenue by the end of 2025, marking a substantial rise from the GH₵153 billion gathered in 2024. This objective forms part of their mid-term plan designed to enhance local revenue collection and elevate the nation’s tax-to-GDP ratio.
Mr. Sarpong announced that this year’s target for tax revenue is GH¢200 billion, an increase from GH¢153 billion in 2024. However, over the medium term, with aims reaching as far as 2028, they aspire to achieve a baseline of at least GH¢360 billion.
The ‘360 by 28’ initiative aims to significantly increase Ghana’s tax revenue for the year 2024. Reaching this objective could elevate Ghana’s tax-to-GDP ratio from its present level of 13.8% to a range of 17% to 18% by 2028.
Business-friendly reforms
Acknowledging the difficulties companies encounter when meeting their tax responsibilities, GRA is introducing changes intended to streamline tax procedures and offer assistance to these enterprises. The aim of these modifications is to promote self-compliance without hindering commercial expansion.
“Our approach is to expand the tax base utilizing technological advancements. As many businesses have shifted their operations online and are conducting transactions through digital channels, this is the direction we should pursue,” stated Mr. Sarpong.
“We find ourselves in a digitally driven and automated periode, and GRA should not lag behind when it comes to technological advancements. This is precisely why we’re working towards digitizing our tax processes to cover more taxpayers, even those who have been previously unconnected,” he stated.
Trust, integrity and professionalism
The Commissioner General further mentioned that the GRA is dedicated to establishing a cooperative relationship with taxpayers based on trust, honesty, and professional standards. “We view taxpayers as our clients, and it is essential for us to cultivate public faith and assurance in the taxation process,” Mr. Sarpong emphasized. He added that achieving this would enable them to gather the necessary funds to back the country’s revitalization plan.
He mentioned these efforts boost GRA’s capacity for generating income via methods that are all-encompassing, open, and conducive to commerce. Undoubtedly, as Ghana initiates an economic overhaul, GRA’s tactics will be crucial in attaining financial balance and fostering nationwide progress.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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