GNCCI Renews Call for Simplified Tax Regime, Single VAT Rate to Ease Cost of Doing Business
The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has once again urged government to simplify and consolidate the country’s complex tax regime to ease the cost of doing business and enhance tax compliance.
According to the Chamber, the introduction of a single, transparent Value Added Tax (VAT) rate system will reduce the administrative burden on businesses and improve revenue efficiency.
Addressing the Chamber’s 49th Annual General Meeting in Accra, President of the GNCCI, Stephane Miezan, reiterated calls for a downward review of existing tax rates which he said continue to increase production costs and weaken the competitiveness of local enterprises.
“The Chamber wants government to review downwards the already existing taxes, including simplifying and consolidating VAT and all levies into a single and transparent VAT rate, as well as remove the COVID-19 levy which has outlived its purpose,” Mr Miezan stated.
He further proposed that government introduce turnover and employment-based corporate tax thresholds, remove VAT on insurance premiums to enhance accessibility for households and SMEs, and grant a three-year tax holiday for startups to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Chamber’s proposals come at a time government has commenced consultations on a comprehensive review of the tax structure ahead of the presentation of the 2026 Budget, in line with fiscal consolidation measures under the IMF-supported programme.
However, the GNCCI insists that any reform must extend beyond revenue mobilisation to include pragmatic policy measures aimed at stimulating growth, supporting local industries, and improving the overall business environment.
The call forms part of ongoing advocacy by the private sector for a more predictable and growth-oriented tax regime to drive Ghana’s economic recovery and job creation agenda.
