GRA to Leverage Technology, Tax Education for Enhanced Revenue Mobilization
Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwesi Sarpong, has underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to tax administration, emphasizing technology, education, and partnerships as key enablers of effective revenue mobilization.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National Economic Dialogue (NED), Mr. Sarpong highlighted the importance of rationalizing existing tax policies and conducting in-depth research on the economy to ensure sustainable national development.
“We need to research the economy in a manner that will enable us to build a nation that creates the necessary opportunities for ourselves and future generations. Revenue mobilization cannot be discussed without addressing economic growth, as tax revenues are directly linked to business performance,” he stated.
He noted that Ghana’s informal sector, which constitutes approximately 60-70% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), presents a major challenge due to limited documentation and voluntary tax compliance.
Addressing this issue, he stressed, requires integrating more businesses into the tax net through enhanced policies and technology-driven solutions.
Leveraging Technology for Tax Compliance
According to the GRA boss, technology presents a viable solution to expanding Ghana’s tax base.
He outlined initiatives such as integrating the national identification system with business registrations to ensure seamless tax compliance from the onset of business operations.
“Many businesses register with the Registrar of Companies, and their national ID serves as their Tax Identification Number (TIN). By collaborating with the registration system and leveraging artificial intelligence, we can bring more businesses into the tax net, including those operating informally through digital platforms such as Instagram,” he explained.
He further stated that using AI to track online business activities would enhance tax compliance, ensuring that all economic players contribute fairly to national revenue.
Enhancing Tax Education and Partnerships
Mr. Sarpong also emphasized the need for sustained tax education to create awareness and encourage voluntary compliance.
“Paying taxes is not always widely accepted, but it is a civic responsibility. We must continue to educate citizens on the importance of tax payments and make the process transparent and understandable,” he noted.
Additionally, he called for improved collaboration between tax administrators and taxpayers, advocating for a dispute resolution mechanism that fosters trust and minimizes friction in tax collection.
“Sometimes, taxpayers perceive tax administrators as being forceful. We must employ technology, encourage dialogue, and implement fair policies that ensure a balance between tax collection and taxpayer rights,” he added.
The National Economic Dialogue is expected to generate actionable policy recommendations aimed at achieving long-term economic stability and growth.
The GRA’s focus on technology, education, and partnerships is anticipated to play a crucial role in strengthening Ghana’s tax system and boosting revenue generation.
