Photos: Vice President joins Chartered Institute of Taxation conference to discuss tax reforms

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang participated in the 14th conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in Ghana, held on August 19. The event, themed "Tax Reforms in Practice: Implications for Businesses and Tax Administration," brought together tax professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and international participants to discuss tax reforms and their impact on businesses and tax administration.

In her opening remarks, the Vice President emphasized the importance of maintaining a tax system capable of generating revenue for national development while ensuring it remains fair and efficient for businesses and individuals. Although the government has taken steps to ease the tax burden and simplify the tax system, the Vice President stressed that reforming tax laws alone would not be enough to achieve the desired results.

She highlighted the need for effective tax administration, focusing on making compliance easier through stronger administrative systems, technology, data utilization, simplified processes, and improved taxpayer education. The Vice President also stressed the significance of public trust in the tax system, noting that taxpayers are more likely to comply when they understand the system, consider it fair, and can engage with tax authorities without undue difficulties.

She acknowledged the crucial role of tax professionals in fostering that trust, stating that they assist individuals and businesses in understanding their tax obligations, support compliance, and provide valuable professional expertise in tax policy development. Lastly, the Vice President stressed the importance of Ghana remaining technically prepared as business models and international taxation continue to evolve, calling for greater collaboration with other African countries to ensure effective representation of the continent's interests in ongoing global tax discussions.