Tax Justice Coalition Ghana calls for progressive tax reforms amidst economic challenges
In a resolute stance aimed at tackling socio-economic inequality and navigating the intricacies of fiscal instability, the Tax Justice Coalition (TJC) Ghana and its affiliates have voiced their collective concern over regressive tax policies and the country’s debt crisis. With a focus on promoting progressive and fair taxation, the coalition’s resolve emerges as a significant call to action amidst the current financial landscape.
Highlighting the imperative to achieve domestic revenue mobilization through equitable tax frameworks, the coalition underscores the paramount importance of inclusive development. This clarion call resonates against the backdrop of Ghana’s economic realities and the palpable disconnect between policy objectives and achievable outcomes.
The Tax Justice Coalition Ghana’s incisive analysis of the 2023 Annual Budget, which foresaw the ambitious goals facing palpable challenges, now stands vindicated. The coalition contends that recalibrating macroeconomic targets based on precedent performance and steadfast commitment to budgetary interventions remains a pragmatic path forward.
In a multi-pronged approach to address fiscal challenges, the coalition underscores the necessity of revisiting austerity measures and fiscal consolidation strategies. This comes in response to the burgeoning government expense and the compelling need for judicious expenditure curtailment.
As the economic pendulum continues to swing, the coalition spotlights the perennial losses of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the burgeoning privatization of essential public services. The surge in private sector engagement, particularly post-Covid-19, calls for a holistic review of policy interventions to avert further fragility.
At the heart of this clarion call is the recognition of the regressive undercurrents in Ghana’s existing tax structure. The incremental rise in utility tariffs, coupled with the inherent inequities in the tax regime, casts a shadow over citizens’ livelihoods. The coalition’s discerning gaze spotlights the need for recalibration.
The coalition’s resolutions, outlined on August 25th, 2023, emanate from this comprehensive perspective. With a steadfast commitment to advocating for an evolved tax landscape, the coalition’s demands encompass multifaceted adjustments to the prevailing tax structure.
These resolutions resonate with a broader effort to foster a just economic paradigm. The clarion call to revise the VAT system’s intricate mechanics acknowledges the potential cascading effect on businesses and individuals, underscoring the necessity for an intricate overhaul.
Furthermore, the coalition’s plea to abolish taxes on distance teaching fees and revisit policies governing non-resident service providers reflects a nuanced understanding of sectoral dynamics, striving for a balanced synthesis of revenue generation and sectoral growth.
The call to operationalize the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083) is a testament to the coalition’s dedication to transparency and judicious allocation of tax benefits. As the government navigates fiscal waivers, the coalition’s insistence on prudent exemptions reinforces fiscal integrity.
A unique and symbiotic linkage between taxation and public services is a foundational concept within the coalition’s resolutions. This resonates with the broader call for accountable governance, where citizens witness tangible returns on their fiscal contributions.
The Tax Justice Coalition’s appeal for inclusion of accommodation in the vehicle tax domain illustrates a practical proposition. This nuanced expansion of the tax base harmonizes fiscal realities with the dynamics of government service.
In parallel, the coalition’s directed suggestions to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) underscore a granular understanding of revenue streams. The call to channel capital gains tax from the extractive sector, amplify digital outreach for compliance, and harness untapped revenue avenues reflect a nuanced fiscal strategy.
Implicit in the coalition’s agenda is the recognition of the informal economy’s significance. The inclusion of “night market” operators within the tax net underscores a broader effort to expand the revenue-generating perimeter.
In culmination, the Tax Justice Coalition Ghana’s resolutions manifest as a multi-tiered symphony of fiscal prudence, social equity, and governance accountability.
