A key obstacle to revenue collection in the country is the failure to include all individuals within the tax bracket.
To tackle this long-standing issue, the Ghana Revenue Authority is launching new initiatives and developing strategies to promote tax compliance.
Joseph Asare, Accra East Area Director of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the Ghana Revenue Authority, shared this information during a sensitization event in Tema.
“As the Commissioner General said we’re partnering with civil society organisations, religious bodies, the Chief Imam among other opinion leaders and we at the local level are getting closer to the associations, market women, clubs, and the rest”.
“By getting closer to them, it will enable us take concerns and feedback and address them appropriately,” he said.
Mr. Asare also mentioned that to facilitate tax payments and enhance compliance, the Ghana Revenue Authority has implemented online payment options, e-invoicing, and other convenient methods.
He mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, payment duties were briefly paused to assist taxpayers, and returning to pre-pandemic payment practices might be new for some traders.
Philip Kyei, Vice Chair of the Tema Central Market, urged all traders to meet their tax responsibilities to contribute to the country’s development.
“How do you expect the government build schools, road, and address other challenges if you don’t pay tax. I will urge GRA to reach all corners with the education to ensure compliance”.
Letitia Adjei who runs convenience shop is ready to pay tax but is unhappy over deplorable network in areas including Washington in the Kpone-Katamanso municipality.
She also expressed worry over the number of fees being paid to Tema Metropolitan Assembly which negatively impacts business.
According to her, GRA has deferred this year’s payment to next year.
The event was in two parts, tax education and health screening at Community One lorry terminal.