GRA to Expand Tax Net Through Data Integration with SSNIT, Registrar of Companies
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated talks with key institutions including the Registrar of Companies and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in a bid to identify non-compliant businesses and ensure full tax compliance across sectors.
The move forms part of the Authority’s wider strategy to expand the country’s tax base and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation amid rising fiscal pressures.
Speaking during an X-Space discussion co-hosted by The High Street Journal, NorvanReports and IMANI Ghana on the theme “Resetting Ghana’s Revenue Mobilization,” Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, highlighted the Authority’s shift toward the use of technology and institutional data sharing to improve tax compliance.
“Our strategy is to widen the tax net through the use of technology. Many businesses have migrated online and are transacting via digital platforms. So that’s the way to go,” Mr Sarpong said.
He further explained that the GRA is working to integrate its systems with other institutions via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to access relevant data points. “We have commenced discussions with the Registrar of Companies to ensure that every business and individual registered with them is connected to our database,” he noted.
Mr Sarpong also pointed to SSNIT as a critical partner, observing a common trend where businesses contribute to workers’ pension funds while evading tax obligations. “People will file their social security because it is tied to their retirement, but will not pay their taxes. So it is essential that we connect with an institution like SSNIT to identify these businesses and ensure compliance,” he stated.
Additionally, the Authority intends to engage informal sector business associations to encourage voluntary tax compliance among their members, a segment traditionally underrepresented in formal tax contributions.
The latest effort underscores GRA’s renewed focus on leveraging digital tools and inter-agency collaboration to address revenue shortfalls and enhance Ghana’s fiscal sustainability.
