The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is urging Ghanaians to embrace a culture of tax compliance, emphasizing that paying taxes is a civic duty crucial for national development.
Dominic Nartey noted a noticeable reluctance among Ghanaians to pay taxes.
He highlighted that Ghana has one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in sub-Saharan Africa, pointing to a significant gap in the country’s revenue mobilization efforts.
Mr. Nartey shared this during an exclusive interview with Barima Kofi Dawso on Nhyira FM’s “Kro Yi Mu Nsem” show.
“In fact, in Ghana, we don’t really like paying taxes. If you look at Sub-Saharan Africa, we have the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio – while other countries are clocking 18% to 20% tax-to-GDP, Ghana’s is just 13%,” he said.
He underscored the need for improved tax compliance and broader fiscal strategies.
Mr. Nartey noted that the GRA has revamped its approach, becoming more customer-friendly to encourage all Ghanaians to pay their taxes voluntarily.
“We’ve moved away from aggressive tax collection methods; instead, we’re focusing on being more customer-friendly, making it easier and more encouraging for Ghanaians to fulfill their tax obligations voluntarily.”
He cautioned that those who fail to take advantage of this flexible approach will be dealt with accordingly.
The Head of Monitoring & Evaluation and Adjunct Lecturer at GRA Training School emphasized that the GRA’s lenient stance is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity for compliance.
According to him, the GRA aims to achieve an 18% tax-to-GDP ratio within the next three years, a target aligned with boosting domestic revenue mobilization and driving national development.
Addressing the shift from VAT Flat Rate Schemes (VFRS) to the Standard VAT System, Mr. Nartey appealed to traders to be patient as GRA officials continue to explain the standard VAT in a clear and understandable way.
He encouraged traders to support tax compliance by purchasing from VAT-registered businesses and requesting VAT invoices, which could help reduce tax evasion and possibly lower prices.
He also urged importers to use an approved port or border post to obtain a customs declaration.
“When importing goods from neighboring countries, use an approved port or border post to obtain a customs declaration,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Falling inflation bringing relief to consumers, boosting sales — GUTA
ADB donates GH¢200,000 to boost Ghana Medical Trust Fund’s ‘Heal Ghana…
