A Chief Revenue Officer at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Victor Yao Akogo, has announced a new tax regime designed to ease the burden on players in the cultural and creative industries.
Speaking at the 7th edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable hosted by Kwame Dadzie on Saturday, 6th September 2025, Mr. Akogo revealed that the modified system will exempt some creatives from mandatory Value Added Tax (VAT) registration.
“There is a modified taxation coming this September. The modified taxation seeks to let us know that when you are making an annual turnover of up to GH₵20,000, you pay 3% of it a year as tax on your turnover. And you are not expected to register for VAT. If your turnover is above GH₵200,000 then the law enjoins you to register for VAT,” he explained.
He further noted that VAT charged on entertainment events is collected on behalf of patrons, who are the real consumers of the service. “Whether shows are ticketed or not, event organisers are required to pay the VAT component,” he stressed.
Mr. Akogo encouraged creative entrepreneurs to register their businesses with the GRA to benefit from available tax reliefs.
The event, themed “GRA Vs. Creatives – Taxation and the Future of Ghana’s Creative & Digital Economy”, brought together event organisers, DJs, MCs, artiste managers, bloggers, YouTubers, musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, visual artists, dancers, comedians and other creative entrepreneurs.
Other GRA officials present included Isaac Kobina Amoako, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of the GRA IT Training Centre.
Industry representatives at the forum were Kojo Poku, Vice President of the Event and Meeting Professionals Association of Ghana; Francis Doku, Chief Executive Officer of Maestro Africa Group; Robert Klah, Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse; playwright and CEO of Globe Productions Latif Abubakar; poet and literary coach Nana Asaase; and comedian Lekzy DeComic.
Source: Joy Entertainment
