Otumfuo To GRA: Intensify Public Education To Expand Revenue Base
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to intensify public education on the need to honour tax obligations, describing it as key to the infrastructural development of the country. According to the Asantehene, the government needs money to develop the country and the only avenue to generate it is […] The post Otumfuo To GRA: Intensify Public Education To…
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ramp up its efforts in educating citizens about the importance of paying taxes. He emphasized that this is crucial for the country's infrastructure development. The Asantehene made this statement during a meeting with the GRA's Commissioner-General and the Board of Directors at Manhyia Palace.
He observed that many people avoid paying taxes because they believe others are unwilling to contribute, even when everyone benefits from development. He suggested expanding GRA's outreach to include various trades such as artisans, masons, hairdressers, barbers, and carpenters, urging them to fulfill their tax obligations through their professional associations.
The Asantehene praised the GRA's efforts, noting that tax revenue has grown since the current government took office. He expressed hope that the authority would continue to address loopholes in its operations without compromising on integrity, regardless of their salaries. Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong reported significant improvements in revenue collection since April 2026 due to customs reforms, with monthly collections increasing from GH¢4 billion to GH¢5.5 billion, and reaching GH¢6.1 billion in July.
He attributed these gains to the successful implementation of new systems and expressed optimism about the future of revenue mobilization. He announced a new initiative to mandate electronic devices in businesses for VAT compliance, calling it a "game changer" for VAT administration. The initiative aims to generate additional revenue for national development and calls for extensive public education to ensure its success.
The GRA also plans to introduce a taxpayer and consumer reward scheme to encourage customers to demand VAT receipts and receive special rewards for doing so. The Board Chairman, Kweku Ricketts Hagan, thanked the Asantehene for his ongoing support and highlighted the importance of taxes in funding essential services like schools, roads, and hospitals.
He urged Ghanaians to support the GRA in mobilizing resources for national development and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
