Tax education must start from basic school – Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene

The Gyasehene of Gomoa Wassa, Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene I, has called for tax education to begin in basic schools across Ghana. Known in private life as Noble Francis Essel Okyeahene, he is also the Director of Young Executive and Onua Francis International School, a Chartered Accountant, and Chartered Tax Practitioner. At the Annual Tax Conference in Accra, he urged policymakers and stakeholders to implement reforms to improve Ghana's tax administration.

Reflecting on his extensive work with the Chartered Institute of Taxation Ghana (CITG), Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the organization, where he previously held positions such as Vice President of the Tax Institute and served on the CITG Council for 11 years. He believes that educating citizens about taxation is more effective than simply demanding compliance.

"If people understand tax, there would be voluntary compliance. If they don’t understand it, then it becomes anyhow," he stated. Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene advocates for introducing tax education from the earliest levels of education, including basic and pre-tertiary schools, and incorporating it into university courses. He sees tax education as a civic responsibility that every Ghanaian should understand, as it affects their daily lives through taxes on goods and services.

He emphasized that every citizen, including parents, must be educated on taxation to foster a more tax-conscious society. Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene is confident that when citizens understand the purpose of taxation and how it benefits the nation, compliance will become more voluntary and sustainable. As Ghana works to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, his call for tax education aligns with efforts to strengthen compliance and reduce revenue leakages.