Ghana losing billions in potential revenue due to weak collection – Dr Said Boakye, IFS.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Ghana's robust revenue collections in 2026 and the strides made in tax administration reforms during its initial evaluation under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The IMF noted the swift review of customs and excise legislation, ongoing digitization through the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) and electronic fiscal devices, and potential for increased non-oil revenue in 2027.

This positive assessment underscores the vital role played by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Ghana's economic resurgence and fiscal stability. Speaking on the review, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner General of the GRA, emphasized the authority's ongoing commitment to enhancing compliance and leveraging digital channels to boost tax collection efficiency.

He reiterated the GRA's focus on bolstering revenue generation, improving services for taxpayers, modernizing customs operations, and investing in staff technical skills, leadership, and working conditions. Sarpong acknowledged the dedication of GRA employees and thanked taxpayers for their ongoing support to national development.

He added that together, they are constructing a more efficient, transparent, and service-oriented GRA for a stronger Ghana. This recognition also highlights the GRA's critical civic role in making tax payment more accessible to ordinary Ghanaians. As Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson prepares to submit the 2027 budget and economic policy to Parliament, expectations are not for new taxes, but rather for strengthened compliance and enforcement of existing tax laws.