GRA exceeds September revenue target by GH¢1.4bn despite VAT shortfall

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has surpassed its revenue target for the first nine months of 2026, collecting GH¢167 billion compared to the goal of GH¢165.6 billion. Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong reported this during a briefing to Parliament's Public Accounts Committee on October 14, 2026. Direct taxes exceeded their objectives, with collections amounting to GH¢71.6 billion, surpassing the GH¢66 billion target by GH¢5.5 billion.

Royalties also outperformed expectations, generating GH¢8 billion, or about GH¢1.2 billion more than anticipated. However, indirect tax collections, particularly VAT, fell short of expectations, totaling GH¢29.6 billion against a target of GH¢37 billion. Sarpong highlighted VAT compliance issues, noting that many businesses were either unregistered for VAT, failing to charge or collect the tax.

The Authority is implementing a national compliance program and a mobile application to monitor VAT invoices and improve enforcement. Customs revenue also fell below its target, with collections of GH¢46.9 billion against a goal of GH¢48.4 billion. Efforts are underway to recover the shortfall before year-end. The Energy Sector Recovery Levy performed well, collecting about GH¢10.8 billion, exceeding its GH¢6.8 billion target by GH¢4 billion.

The GRA is focused on addressing weaknesses in its collection processes, including addressing outstanding balances owed by public institutions.