Six out of 10 businesses not complying with tax obligations – GRA

According to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), approximately six out of every ten businesses in Ghana are not adhering to their tax obligations, creating an uneven competitive landscape for those who do meet their tax responsibilities. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the GRA's Commissioner-General, highlighted this issue during the AGI 2026 Industrial and Exhibition Summit, urging for stronger tax compliance to ensure a level playing field for businesses.

He noted that for every ten businesses in the country, about six are non-compliant. Mr. Sarpong emphasized that businesses failing to meet their tax obligations may gain an unfair advantage over those who are compliant, which could undermine the efforts towards building a competitive and sustainable private sector. He stated that while those who comply are doing their best, those who do not are gaining an unfair advantage.

To tackle this issue, the GRA is taking several steps to improve tax compliance. The authority plans to implement the Fiscal and Accounting Devices Act in the last quarter of 2026, which will enable businesses to use approved devices in their transactions to enhance VAT compliance. This measure aims to ensure that businesses accurately account for their transactions and tax obligations, thereby creating a more level playing field.

Additionally, the GRA is launching its Integrated Tax Administration System, which Sarpong described as a significant step towards reducing human intervention and making tax administration more efficient. This digital system will allow taxpayers to interact with the GRA online, making it easier for businesses to comply with their tax obligations voluntarily.

The ultimate goal of these initiatives is not just to collect more taxes but to foster an environment where compliant businesses are not at a disadvantage due to tax evasion. Sarpong reiterated that the GRA's success is directly tied to the success of Ghanaian businesses and industries, stating, "GRA succeeds when Ghana’s industries succeed."