News Guide Africa

Tag: Anthony Kwasi Sarpong

  • Tech reforms drive historic GH¢6.1bn revenue surge in July …Asantehene urges expansion into informal sector

    Tech reforms drive historic GH¢6.1bn revenue surge in July …Asantehene urges expansion into informal sector

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed 

     

    Tech-driven customs reforms have propelled the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to a record-breaking GH¢6.1 billion revenue collection for July 2026, even as traditional authority calls for broader tax net expansion into the informal economy.

    The milestone follows the full April 2026 deployment of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) trade valuation platform. The modern system has boosted customs revenues significantly from a pre-deployment monthly average of roughly GH¢4 billion.

    Detailing the financial gains during a delegation visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, GRA Commissioner-General Dr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong emphasized the upward trajectory of national revenue mobilization.

    “The full implementation started in April 2026. So, between April and June, we are happy to report, and as the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson, also echoed in Parliament, that we are collecting about GH¢1.3 to GH¢1.5 billion a month in addition to what we used to collect,” Dr. Sarpong stated.

    “Before the implementation, we were collecting about GH¢4 billion a month. As of June, we were collecting GH¢5.5 billion. In the month of July, we collected GH¢6.1 billion, which means that our custom reforms are working,” he added.

    Expand Net to Informal Workers, Plug Revenue Leakages

    Welcoming the delegation, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, commended the revenue authority’s leadership for visible improvements in revenue mobilization while urging them to broaden their focus beyond formal sector employees.

    “The focus has always been on workers in the formal sector, while there are many others in the informal sector who can be educated on the need to pay taxes to support national development,” the Asantehene stated.

    To bring informal workers seamlessly into the tax fold and reduce reliance on external borrowing, the King recommended organizing informal operators into structured bodies.

    “Groups such as hairdressers, mechanics, and drivers could be encouraged to form cooperatives to make it easier for them to be integrated into the tax system,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II suggested, while cautioning that structural leakages must also be eliminated. “I have observed an improvement in revenue collection since the current Board and Management took over… Despite these gains, some leakages still exist, and I urge you to work at addressing them.”

    Stakeholder Engagement and the Next Phase of Reforms

    Addressing the Asantehene’s observations, GRA Board Chairman Ricketts Hagan reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and easing the adoption of new compliance platforms.

    “There are new systems, including the Publican AI, which have been helping our efforts. I’m sure you heard noise about not being able to comprehend, but people are beginning to understand the system,” Mr. Hagan explained.

    Building on its customs automation successes, the GRA is currently scaling its digital strategy into retail taxation. The next phase centers on modernizing Value Added Tax (VAT) administration using real-time digital integration and automated transaction recording across commercial enterprises nationwide.

    “That is going to be a game changer in our VAT administration,” Dr. Sarpong noted, citing recently approved legislative support for point-of-sale system integration aimed at securing a transparent, tech-driven business environment for long-term economic growth.

     

  • Customs automation unlocks revenue growth as GRA reports historic GH¢6.1bn in July 

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    ​Ghana’s fiscal landscape is demonstrating strong resilience and enhanced efficiency following the successful integration of advanced technology into domestic revenue administration.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) posted a record GH¢6.1 billion in customs revenue for July 2026, marking a significant leap from the monthly pre-deployment average of approximately GH¢4 billion.

    ​The substantial revenue growth follows the full implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence (AI) trade valuation platform in April 2026, a move designed to modernize trade facilitation, streamline customs processing, and boost fiscal transparency.

    ​Accelerating Monthly Yields

    ​Outlining the financial impact of the digital transformation during a briefing at the Manhyia Palace, Commissioner-General of the GRA, Dr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, highlighted the steady upward trajectory in monthly collections over recent quarters.

    ​“The full implementation started in April 2026. So, between April and June, we are happy to report, and as the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson, also echoed in Parliament, that we are collecting about GH¢1.3 to GH¢1.5 billion a month in addition to what we used to collect.

    ​“Before the implementation, we were collecting about GH¢4 billion a month. As of June, we were collecting GH¢5.5 billion. In the month of July, we collected GH¢6.1 billion, which means that our custom reforms are working,” Dr. Sarpong stated.

     

    ​For international investors and commercial entities, the deployment of AI technology offers a more predictable, transparent, and standardized valuation framework at port entries, reducing operational bottlenecks and minimizing discretionary assessment risks.

    ​Strong Fiscal Fundamentals and Tech Expansion

    ​The fiscal gains form part of a broader macroeconomic stabilization effort aimed at enhancing domestic resource mobilization and establishing sustainable public finances. Building on the success of the customs automation, the GRA is preparing to scale its technology-first strategy into retail taxation.

    ​The upcoming phase will focus on modernizing the Value Added Tax (VAT) network through real-time digital integration and automated transaction recording across commercial enterprises nationwide.

    ​“That is going to be a game changer in our VAT administration,” Dr. Sarpong noted, referring to newly approved legislative backing for digital point-of-sale reporting system integration.

     

    ​The GRA’s systemic transition toward automated tax infrastructure signals a stable, transparent, and technology-driven business environment—key indicators for long-term direct investment and private sector expansion.

  • GRA unveils exhaustive regulatory roadmap to eliminate ambiguities and drive E-VAT adherence

    GRA unveils exhaustive regulatory roadmap to eliminate ambiguities and drive E-VAT adherence

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    In a major step toward enhancing transparency, clarity, and the ease of doing business, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has published an updated, exhaustive repository of Practice Notes and Administrative Guidelines on its official portal.

    The strategic publication aligns with the Authority’s core organizational pillars of teamwork, professionalism, and integrity. By making these resources publicly available, the GRA aims to guide taxpayers, corporate entities, and tax practitioners through historically complex regulatory frameworks, thereby minimizing protracted legal disputes and boosting voluntary compliance across the country.

    The newly consolidated resources are broadly split into two key components: Practice Notes, which offer the official administrative interpretation of specific, ambiguous clauses within existing tax laws, and Guidelines, Instructions, and Manuals, which outline exact procedural steps for newer digital frameworks, international trade protocols, and sector-specific obligations.

    Leadership Driving Fiscal Transformation and Public Trust

    The release of these detailed guidelines underpins a broader strategic push by the GRA leadership to build an administrative environment rooted in institutional trust rather than purely punitive action.

    Commenting on the modernization agenda, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, emphasized that a transparent, predictable framework is central to sustainable national growth and equitable resource mobilization.

    “Compliance is the bedrock of a sustainable tax system,” Commissioner-General Sarpong stated. “Our approach will balance enforcement with education, ensuring that taxpayers are well-informed, fairly treated, and encouraged to fulfill their civic duty. A well-functioning tax system is the foundation of a strong economy, and I urge all taxpayers to remain compliant, as their contributions directly impact national development.”

     

    According to the Authority’s latest strategic outlook, clarifying administrative guidelines is vital to strengthening domestic resource mobilization. The GRA is actively aiming to optimize collections to fund critical public infrastructure, reduce reliance on volatile external debt markets, and anchor macroeconomic stability.

    Eliminating Ambiguities on Income Tax and Corporate Deductions

    A significant portion of the newly released Practice Notes addresses long-standing technical ambiguities under the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896), which have frequently led to costly tax audits and corporate litigation. Key areas now clearly defined include:

    ● Capital Allowance and Depreciable Assets: Specific parameters regarding the legal deduction of repairs, maintenance, and improvement costs under Act 896.

    ● Financial Costs: Strict guidelines surrounding thin capitalization, the limitation on the deduction of financial costs, and the final computation of deductible interest.

    ● Corporate Restructuring: Clear legal positions on handling carry-over losses, structural changes in accounting dates, and the tax implications of changes in corporate ownership.

    ● Double Taxation Relief: Step-by-step frameworks detailing how individuals and multinational businesses can seek relief under bilateral tax treaties managed by the GRA.

    Furthermore, specific instructions have been issued regarding the minimum chargeable income framework for businesses operating under Act 896, alongside tailored operational guidelines for specialized sectors like banking businesses and separate petroleum operations.

    Streamlining the Transition to Electronic Tracking (E-VAT)

    To support Ghana’s ongoing digital transformation in revenue mobilization, the GRA has placed special emphasis on updated administrative guidelines for its digital platforms. Notably, the portal features complete, step-by-step operational manuals for the E-VAT Certified Invoicing System.

    The manual reinforces the strict compliance requirement to present a Commissioner-General’s Tax Invoice as the sole valid proof of business expenses incurred for income tax deduction purposes—a major structural move intended to curb invoice cloning, ghost expenses, and systemic under-reporting. Additionally, specialized corporate charges, such as the Financial Sector Recovery Levy, remain clearly outlined to ensure smooth, predictable compliance from banking and financial institutions.

    Trade Facilitation and International Compliance

    On the international trade front, the GRA has formalized operational guidelines designed to expedite port clearing processes while maintaining strict security and compliance. Port operators and businesses can now access the newly published Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) User Manual, a program designed to reward low-risk, highly compliant traders with expedited cargo clearance and simplified customs procedures.

    Additionally, to combat base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) by multinational enterprises, the portal includes the fully updated Transfer Pricing Regulations (L.I. 2412) and Common Reporting Standard (CRS) Guidance Notes. This ensures international entities operate strictly within Ghanaian legal limits and pay taxes where economic value is created.

    Relief and Waivers for Distressed Businesses

    Recognizing the economic pressures faced by various commercial sectors, the publication concludes with comprehensive notes on the Waiver of Penalty and Interest.

    This administrative guideline outlines the highly transparent, objective procedures through which distressed but compliant taxpayers can apply for relief from accumulated penalties, providing a clear roadmap for businesses looking to regularize their tax status without facing insolvency.

    Editor’s Note: The full text of these Practice Notes, Administrative Guidelines, and Operational Manuals can be accessed directly via the Ghana Revenue Authority’s digital portal at gra.gov.gh. Taxpayers and corporate accounting departments are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to avoid non-compliance penalties.

     

  • GRA Sets ambitious GH¢310 billion revenue target for 2028 …As shippers demand collective balance in port cost reforms

    GRA Sets ambitious GH¢310 billion revenue target for 2028 …As shippers demand collective balance in port cost reforms

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has unveiled an aggressive medium-term fiscal strategy, targeting an unprecedented GH¢310 billion in annual tax revenue by 2028.

    Driven by a sweeping expansion of digital compliance infrastructure and artificial intelligence systems, the authority aims to more than double its current collection baselines over the next two years.

    However, as the state sharpens its enforcement tools, maritime stakeholders and trade groups are cautioning that concurrent port cost reforms including controversial caps on container administrative charges must protect the collective interests of both local shippers and international logistics providers to avoid disrupting the supply chain.

    Digital compliance expands to hit Historic revenue milestones

    Announcing the medium-term targets at a high-level briefing, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, emphasized that the journey toward the GH¢310 billion milestone will rely entirely on digitizing tax pathways rather than introducing new statutory tax burdens.

    “Our target to hit GH¢310 billion by 2028 is firmly anchored on the structural expansion of our digital compliance systems,” Commissioner-General Sarpong stated. “The era of manual tax administration, with its leakage risks and arbitrary assessments, is firmly behind us. By scaling our integrated platforms, expanding data analytics, and widening the tax net through automated tracking, we are making compliance seamless for businesses while guaranteeing maximum mobilization for the state.”

    The GRA chief pointed to immediate, real-world proof of this digital transition, revealing that the integration of the cutting-edge “Publican AI” system into port revenue monitoring and customs audits boosted state coffers by an astonishing GH¢1 billion in the month of April alone.

    Port reforms ignite fierce cost-capping debate

    While the central government celebrates expanding digital revenue receipts, the operational landscape at Ghana’s maritime gateways is experiencing major regulatory shifts. The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) recently moved to cap Container Administrative Charges (CACs) at the ports a decision highly praised by local importers who have long complained about the high cost of doing business in West Africa.

    However, logistical analysts and international carrier representatives warn that an overly simplistic approach to price-capping could prompt a capital flight or push shipping lines to bypass Ghanaian hubs entirely.

    “The ongoing debate surrounding Container Administrative Charges is often overly simplified in the public sphere,” noted a maritime logistics specialist specializing in West African trade lines. “While concerns over high port costs are completely legitimate, capping administrative fees arbitrarily without a holistic evaluation could backfire. Port cost reforms are absolutely necessary, but they must reflect collective interests. If we squeeze the margins of global operators too tightly without fixing underlying port efficiencies, we risk losing our competitive edge to regional rivals.”

    Freight forwarders appeal for harmonized trade policies

    The call for structural equilibrium is echoing strongly across shipping floors and freight forwarding hubs in Tema and Takoradi. Importers emphasize that while the GRA’s deployment of AI tools has drastically reduced clearance processing times, the parallel layering of local shipping line charges continues to strain operational equity.

    “We welcome the transparency that tools like Publican AI bring to custom valuations,” an executive member of the local freight forwarders union remarked. “But the state must harmonize its revenue-collecting goals with real relief for the trading community. If the Shippers Authority caps one fee, but shipping lines introduce three new ones to cover their overheads, the local consumer gains nothing. We need a unified negotiation table where government, shippers, and carriers find a sustainable equilibrium.”

    A post-IMF era grounded in data and fiscal discipline

    Legal and economic observers highlight that this dual focus on automated tax mobilization and port restructuring marks Ghana’s entry into its most data-driven fiscal era in history. Following the formal conclusion of the state’s IMF Extended Credit Facility program, the country is navigating its finances without external validation or multilateral cushions for the first time since 2022.

    With the GRA leaning heavily on digital oversight to hit its GH¢310 billion threshold and trade ministries working to balance domestic shipping costs against global logistics investments, the next 24 months will serve as the ultimate test of Ghana’s institutional capacity to maintain independent, sustainable economic growth.

     

     

     

  • GRA’s AI System triggers historic GH¢1bn Customs revenue surge in April amid deepened engagement

    GRA’s AI System triggers historic GH¢1bn Customs revenue surge in April amid deepened engagement

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    Publican AI eliminates human discretion at the ports, smashing initial targets; May collections on track to eclipse April’s record milestone.

    In what has been described as a structural turning point for public sector revenue collection, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recorded an unprecedented financial windfall, capturing an additional GH¢1 billion in customs revenue for the month of April 2026 alone.

    The record-breaking fiscal surge directly follows the aggressive deployment of “Publican AI” a cutting-edge artificial intelligence infrastructure integrated into the nation’s ports and borders to automate risk management and eliminate deep-seated trade discrepancies.

    Speaking before an audience of international investors, policymakers, and corporate executives at the 10th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, revealed that the early-stage performance of the technology has completely shattered initial econometric projections.

    “Indeed the results for the first two months of deploying the AI is amazing and promising,” Mr. Sarpong disclosed. “In the month of April alone we added GHS1 billion to our revenue generation for customs.”

    Dismantling the ‘Human Discretion’ Loophole

    For decades, Ghana’s gateway ports have been plagued by systemic under-valuation, fraudulent misclassification of cargo, and deliberate under-invoicing. Prior to the technology’s rollout earlier this year, a heavy reliance on manual invoicing systems and human inspection left state coffers vulnerable to massive revenue leakages.

    The Publican AI system intercepts trade data in real-time, matching cargo manifests against international trade metrics, global pricing indexes, and cross-border risk-analysis frameworks. By instantly tracing the true origin and value of goods, the algorithm has effectively automated the assessment process, creating an un-bypassable digital sieve.

    The GRA boss emphasized that the rollout represents a broader philosophical shift toward corporate equity and public transparency, setting a digital precedent for the rest of the continent.

    “We want to claim that GRA is the first public institution to use AI across the board, affecting many businesses,” Sarpong stated. “The purpose is to reduce human discretion, make faster assessment, create a fairer basis for all import and import assessment.”

    The April-May Revenue Trajectory

    April 2026 (Actual): +GH¢1.0 Billion First full month of optimized Publican AI integration.

    May 2026 (Projected): >GH¢1.0 Billion  Mid-quarter data indicates cross-border compliance is accelerating.

    Navigating Private Sector Friction

    The transition has not been entirely seamless. The deployment initially triggered severe operational friction, drawing protests from local freight forwarders, clearing agents, and port-logistics stakeholders who complained about rigid compliance demands and adjustments to digital customs clearance workflows.

    However, the revenue authority has remained firm, maintaining that the financial metrics vindicate the strict policy shift. Far from a temporary bump, the revenue growth has shown a sustained upward trajectory.

    “We are on course in the month of May and the results as of yesterday is showing that we are going beyond GHS1 billion for the month of May,” Mr. Sarpong revealed to the summit, indicating that the technology’s efficiency is compounding weekly.

    Deepening Private Sector Engagement

    Acknowledging that long-term compliance requires corporate consensus, the GRA leadership has moved swiftly to transition from strict enforcement to strategic collaboration. The authority recently held a high-stakes stakeholder engagement with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) to address private sector anxieties surrounding digital revenue platforms.

    Led by GNCCI President Stephane Miezan, the forum allowed physically and virtually present business leaders to seek direct clarity on Value Added Tax (VAT) administration, automated customs interventions, and the synchronization of the new AI with the existing Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

    Commenting on the rationale behind the dialogues, senior customs officials noted that the engagement forms part of broader efforts to refine the digital interface, making it easier for honest businesses to comply while keeping the tax net tightly secured.

    With May’s revenue totals already poised to eclipse April’s historic milestone, the Ministry of Finance and the GRA are reportedly advanced in plans to expand the Publican AI architecture beyond maritime borders, scaling it across broader sectors of domestic income and corporate tax mobilization. For Ghana’s economic recovery programme, the message from the port is clear: the future of revenue mobilization is digital, automated, and absolute.

     

     

     

  • GRA cracks down on ‘shadow’ imports and ‘right-hand drive’ infiltration to save billions

    GRA cracks down on ‘shadow’ imports and ‘right-hand drive’ infiltration to save billions

    By Mariam Aminu

    In a dual-pronged offensive to protect the national economy and ensure road safety, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced a major tightening of controls at the nation’s entry points.

    The move comes on the heels of two alarming revelations: a massive GH¢31 billion discrepancy in trade capital flight and a growing trend of illegally imported right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles.

    Speaking at a recent stakeholder engagement, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, revealed a staggering statistic that has sent shockwaves through the financial sector. Over the last five years, approximately GH¢31 billion was transferred out of Ghana under the guise of payment for imports, yet no matching goods ever entered the country’s ports.

    This “capital flight” suggests a sophisticated scheme where some importers use valid documentation to secure foreign exchange from the banking system, only to divert the funds without bringing in the corresponding commodities.

    “We are seeing a trend where money leaves our borders for imports that simply do not exist on our manifests,” the GRA boss stated. To combat this, the Authority is integrating its systems with the Bank of Ghana and commercial banks to ensure that every dollar sent abroad for trade is backed by a physical Bill of Lading and verified cargo.

    Clampdown on right-hand drive vehicles

    While the GRA follows the money trail, it is also tightening the physical gates against prohibited goods specifically right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles.

    Under Ghanaian law, the importation of RHD vehicles is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns on the country’s left-hand traffic roads. However, the GRA has noted an uptick in attempts to smuggle these vehicles into the country, often by wrongly declaring them or attempting to convert them haphazardly in local garages.

    The Commissioner-General warned that the GRA will no longer tolerate these breaches. New inspection protocols are being deployed at the ports and land borders to identify RHD vehicles before they are cleared.

    “The law is clear. Right-hand drive vehicles pose a significant risk to our road users,” the GRA boss emphasized. “We are tightening controls to ensure these vehicles do not find their way onto our streets, and those caught attempting to circumvent these rules will face the full rigors of the law, including seizure of the assets.”

    Digital synergy: The new defence

    The GRA’s strategy to tackle both financial leakage and illegal imports relies heavily on the “Publican” AI system and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). By cross-referencing global price indices and banking data, the GRA can now flag “ghost imports” in real-time.

    The Authority’s message is clear: the era of lax oversight is over. By closing the GH¢31 billion loophole and purging the market of prohibited vehicles, the GRA aims to stabilize the Cedi, protect domestic industries, and ensure the safety of the Ghanaian public.

    Importers and clearing agents are urged to comply with the new directives or risk heavy penalties, as the GRA moves to restore total integrity to Ghana’s trade corridors.

     

     

  • GRA Commissioner-General donates 850 bags of rice to Zongo communities ahead of Eid festivities

    GRA Commissioner-General donates 850 bags of rice to Zongo communities ahead of Eid festivities

    In a significant gesture of communal support and religious solidarity, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has donated 850 bags of rice to various Zongo caucuses across the country.

    The donation, made on March 12, 2026, comes as the Muslim community prepares for the upcoming Eid festivities, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

    A tradition of support

    Speaking during the brief presentation ceremony, the GRA boss emphasized that the gesture is part of a broader effort to support vulnerable households during the festive season. He noted that the Zongo communities play a vital role in the social and economic fabric of Ghana and that ensuring families can celebrate Eid with dignity is a priority.

    “This is more than just a donation; it is a symbol of our shared humanity and our commitment to supporting our brothers and sisters in the Zongo communities during this sacred period,” he stated.

    Empowering the community

    The 850 bags of rice are expected to be distributed through local Zongo leadership and caucuses to ensure they reach those most in need. Representative leaders from the caucuses expressed their profound gratitude, noting that the timing of the donation is critical as many families begin their final preparations for the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

    Strengthening ties

    Observers have noted that such initiatives by high-ranking public officials help bridge the gap between state institutions and local communities. By engaging directly with the Zongo caucuses, the GRA leadership aims to foster a spirit of inclusivity and national unity.

    As the distribution begins, the GRA boss extended his well wishes to all Muslims, urging them to use the festive period to pray for the peace and economic prosperity of the nation.