News Guide Africa

Tag: Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)

  • GRA unleashes 26-Member Strike Force to tackle 60% VAT gap

    GRA unleashes 26-Member Strike Force to tackle 60% VAT gap

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially declared war on tax evasion, inaugurating a specialized Compliance and Enforcement Unit to chase down businesses failing to remit Value Added Tax (VAT).

    The move comes after a startling audit revealed that nearly 60 out of every 100 businesses visited in recent months are either not registered for VAT or are collecting the tax from consumers without remitting a single pesewa to the state. This “leakage” is a major hurdle for the GRA as it pursues a massive GH¢225 billion revenue target for 2026.

    The new 26-member team, housed under the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), has a singular mandate: to ensure the reformed VAT Act, 2025 (Act 1151), which took effect on January 1, is strictly followed.

    Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong warned that the era of “voluntary ignorance” is over.

    “Others take from customers but fail to remit to the GRA. Our eyes are open, and we are coming with the full strength of our service,” Sarpong stated. “Those who cooperate will be dealt with professionally, but we must close this gap.”

    Carrots and Sticks: The 2026 Strategy

    The GRA isn’t just relying on enforcement; it is combining the “stick” of the new task force with the “carrot” of modern technology and rewards.

    ● The Stick: The Enforcement Team will conduct unannounced market sweeps and audits to identify defaulters.

    ● The Carrot: A National VAT Reward Scheme is launching this year, incentivizing customers to demand receipts in exchange for prizes, effectively turning every consumer into a tax inspector.

    ● The Tech: Increased automation and E-VAT APIs are being deployed to make it harder for businesses to hide transactions.

    Key 2026 VAT Reforms Previous Status Current Status (Act 1151)

    Registration Threshold GH¢200,000 GH¢750,000 (for goods)

    Effective VAT Rate 21.9% 20%

    COVID-19 Levy 1% Abolished

    Flat Rate Scheme 3% Retail Abolished

    A Call for Professionalism

    The Commissioner for Domestic Tax Revenue, Dr. Martin Yamborigya, urged the new team to maintain high ethical standards while being firm. He stressed that while the goal is revenue mobilization, the rights of taxpayers must be respected.

    “The introduction of the new VAT Act reflects the government’s determination to modernize our tax system,” Yamborigya said. He encouraged businesses with genuine challenges to engage the GRA directly rather than waiting for the enforcement team to arrive at their doorstep.

    Impact on the 24H⁺ Programme

    The success of this enforcement drive is critical to funding the government’s 24H⁺ (24-Hour Economy) initiatives. With the removal of the cascading tax effect, compliant businesses are now able to claim GETFund and NHIL as input credits a move designed to reduce production costs and, ultimately, lower prices for the Ghanaian consumer.

     

     

     

     

  • Insurance and Importers Clash Over Mandatory Cargo Policy

    Insurance and Importers Clash Over Mandatory Cargo Policy

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    A major policy shift in Ghana’s trade sector has sparked a heated debate between the insurance industry and the donor community.

    Beginning February 1, 2026, all commercial imports into Ghana must be covered by mandatory local cargo insurance, a directive issued by the Ministry of Finance to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Bank of Ghana.

    While industry leaders hail the move as a cornerstone for currency stability, importers warn it could trigger “operational chaos” at the ports.

    The Case for “The Double Win”

    Stephen Kwarteng Yeboah, the newly sworn-in President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ghana (IBAG), has emerged as a vocal defender of the policy. Speaking at his investiture ceremony in Accra last week, Yeboah described the mandate as a long-overdue strategy to protect both the cedi and the importer.

    “Cargo insurance premiums that used to be paid offshore will now remain in the country,” Yeboah told Joy Business.

    He argued that by keeping these funds within Ghana’s financial ecosystem, the country can reduce “capital flight” and bolster the cedi’s stability. “Importers must see this as protection, not punishment. When goods get damaged, a local insurance company is going to support you,” he added.

    The policy is rooted in Section 222 of the Insurance Act, 2021 (Act 1061). According to the Ministry of Finance, the local insurance industry is now robust enough bolstered by a 6.1% GDP growth in late 2025 to handle high-value cargo that was previously insured by foreign firms.

    Importers Cry “Foul” Over Lack of Consultation

    The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), however, is not convinced. In a sharp rebuttal issued on January 22, the association expressed “serious alarm” that such a massive policy was announced less than a month before implementation without direct stakeholder engagement.

    Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the IEAG, raised several critical “gaps” that remain unresolved:

    Capacity Doubts: Do local insurers have the financial “muscle” and reinsurance backing to handle large-scale international cargo?

    Incoterm Conflicts: Many imports are already covered by long-standing global arrangements with foreign suppliers. Imposing a local requirement could lead to contractual disputes.

    Inflationary Pressure: Without transparency on premium pricing, the association fears the extra costs will be passed on to consumers.

    “Introducing another major compliance requirement at the same time as new GRA digital trade systems could create confusion and unnecessary operational risk at the ports,” Awingobit warned.

    The Road to February 1

    Despite the pushback, the government appears committed to the timeline. Commissioner of Insurance Dr. Abiba Zakariah has pledged that the National Insurance Commission (NIC) will work to eliminate “unethical practices” like premium undercutting to ensure the transition is fair.

    For the new IBAG Council, the focus remains on repositioning brokers as “credible, indispensable actors” in this new trade landscape. Whether the ports are ready for this “compliance shock” remains to be seen.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Publican AI system at ports to boost revenue by 45%  …GRA assures no extra cost to importers 

    Publican AI system at ports to boost revenue by 45%  …GRA assures no extra cost to importers 

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is set to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system at Ghana’s ports by February 1, 2026, to enhance revenue mobilization and reduce leakages.

     

    The Publican Digital Inspection Solution System, provided by TRUEDARE Investments Limited, will be embedded in the ICUMS software to improve efficiency and accuracy in valuation, classification, risk management, and detection of origin fraud.

     

    GRA Commissioner General, Anthony Sarpong, announced that “the AI system will increase revenue mobilization by 40-45% without introducing additional costs or levies on importers.”

     

    “The system will utilize data from shipping lines, customs ports, and technology companies to analyze information and provide insights to officers, enabling faster processing of declarations and assessments”, he added.

     

    Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, emphasized that the system will support compliance and trade facilitation, rather than solely focusing on enforcement.

     

    The contract, approved by Parliament in late 2025, will be rolled out in phases, starting with the Tema port.

     

    The Government has already recovered GH¢15 million in revenue from five importing companies using a new trade data verification system, which exposed falsified import records, prompting the invitation of five importers for questioning.

     

    Consequently, Hon Ampem Nyarko warned that those engaging in tax evasion will face consequences, while compliant importers have nothing to fear.

     

    He assured compliant importers that the initiative poses no threat to legitimate business operations, but warned that those engaging in tax evasion will face consequences.

     

    Importantly, the system will not replace human officers but will rather augment their efforts, providing them with informed decisions and enabling faster processing of declarations, the Deputy Minister noted.

     

    The Government aims to improve revenue mobilization and ensure accuracy in customs declarations. The new system is part of efforts to promote fairness and transparency in the customs system

  • GRA confirms widespread compliance of new VAT regime …delivers GH¢6.5bn relief to households as prices ease

    GRA confirms widespread compliance of new VAT regime …delivers GH¢6.5bn relief to households as prices ease

    By AdnanAdams Mohammed

     

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced that the government’s recently implemented VAT reforms have successfully eased cost pressures on consumers, effectively returning an estimated GH¢6.5 billion to households through price reductions.

    The sweeping changes have lowered the effective VAT rate to 20%, resulting in an average 1.9% fall in the price of goods and services since the reforms took effect.

    The positive assessment follows a GRA compliance monitoring exercise in Accra’s Spintex enclave, where officials found businesses had successfully recalibrated their systems to reflect the new tax structure.

    From Reform to Relief

    The comprehensive VAT reform package involves reducing the main VAT rate, abolishing the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, and adjusting thresholds for smaller businesses.

    Speaking during inspections at major retail outlets including Palace Mall, Melcom, and Orca Décor, GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong expressed satisfaction with the implementation.

    “We are satisfied that all the shops that we have visited have actually configured their systems and they are applying the new VAT rates,” Sarpong stated.

    Crucially, consumer feedback gathered during the exercise validated the government’s projections regarding financial relief.

    “We note that their satisfaction with the reduction in the rate of the VAT, which in essence affirms what the Minister of Finance announced that the reforms is giving back over 6.5 billion into the pockets of Ghanaians,” Sarpong added.

    Shoppers Notice the Difference

    Checks at various retail outlets across Accra confirmed that the abolished levies are no longer being applied on point-of-sale receipts. Shoppers expressed satisfaction with the modest but welcome reductions.

    Mercy Kobi, a consumer, noted the immediate impact on her purchases: “I feel so happy because the last time I purchased, I remember how much I paid because of the levies. Now I only pay NHIL, GETFund and VAT.”

    Another shopper observed that the relief becomes more apparent with bulk purchases, reinforcing the government’s aim to ease financial pressure on households and boost private sector consumption.

    Call for Compliance to Drive National Growth

    While celebrating the early successes, Commissioner-General Sarpong used the opportunity to appeal for continued vigilance and voluntary compliance from both businesses and consumers.

    He urged businesses to implement the revised VAT framework correctly and issue tax invoices, while calling on consumers to demand those invoices with every purchase to aid enforcement.

    Sustained compliance, he stressed, is critical to mobilizing the revenue needed to support President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 economic vision, which is focused on growth, job creation, and national transformation.

    “When we work responsibly as businesses and also act responsibly as consumers, together we will raise the needed revenue that is needed to develop the nation,” Sarpong concluded.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • GRA and GUTA Joint Press Release on Implementation of VAT Act, 2025 (Act 1151)

    GRA and GUTA Joint Press Release on Implementation of VAT Act, 2025 (Act 1151)

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) held a joint meeting on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, to discuss the implementation of the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151).

    The meeting aimed to deliberate on the impact of the new legislation on traders, particularly GUTA members who previously operated under the VAT Flat Rate Scheme.

     

    Key agreements reached include:

    1. All taxpayers, including GUTA members, must charge and account for VAT at 20% (comprising VAT, NHIL, and GETFund Levy) by the end of the first quarter of implementation, as per the law. This allows GUTA to provide feedback to GRA on concerns raised.

    2. A joint technical team of GUTA and GRA will address sector-specific challenges, including VAT record-keeping, input VAT claims, and VAT calculation, making recommendations for further review.

    3. Nationwide education and sensitization programs will guide traders through the transition to ensure compliance with the new VAT regime.

     

    GRA reassured traders6 of its support for a smooth transition, while GUTA encouraged members to comply with the new law, prioritizing traders’, consumers’, and national developmentH interests.

     

    The joint release was issued by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA).

  • Traders demand value-for-money audit over GRA–Truedare digital customs deal

    Traders demand value-for-money audit over GRA–Truedare digital customs deal

    The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has expressed deep concerns over the recent approval of an agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and TRUEDARE Investments Limited.

    This agreement aims to introduce a “digital customs tracking” and AI audit system to supplement the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

    According to TAGG, this new initiative requires urgent scrutiny to ensure transparency, value for money, and a clear understanding of its long-term impact on traders and consumers in the country.

    A New Deal with Old Questions

    The deal, as outlined in the Finance Committee’s report and media sources, intends to introduce a digital inspection system for tracking imported cargo containers.

    TRUEDARE Investments, a newly incorporated company, will be working with the GRA to enhance the tracking and documentation processes in the customs sector, with a focus on improving revenue mobilisation.

    The agreement is claimed to incur “no additional cost to the state.” However, TAGG argues that this statement is misleading, and that the financial implications of the deal must be fully disclosed and understood by all stakeholders.

    ICUMS Already Provides Adequate Services

    TAGG points out that Ghana’s current ICUMS platform, which was introduced in 2020, already offers end-to-end customs data management, including risk assessment, post-clearance audit, and cargo tracking.

    The system was designed to reduce costs and eliminate systemic leakages in the customs process.

    If there are any technical gaps in ICUMS, TAGG believes that these should be made clear through an open, independent review process.

    Without such transparency, TAGG questions why the government would need to introduce a new system to supplement ICUMS.

    In particular, they are calling for clarity on whether the new system will duplicate existing capabilities or if there are other, unaddressed issues with ICUMS that require immediate attention.

    Concerns Over TRUEDARE Investments Limited

    The advocacy group has also raised alarms over the legitimacy and capacity of TRUEDARE Investments Limited.

    According to TAGG’s investigation into the company’s corporate records, TRUEDARE was only incorporated in December 2024, with minimal capital and no public history of managing large-scale customs systems or AI audits.

    The company, registered in Cyprus, has only two EU-resident individual shareholders and one previous corporate shareholder, none of whom appear to have significant expertise in the field of digital customs solutions.

    Without a proven track record in the sector, TAGG argues that it is risky for Parliament to award such a crucial contract to a newly-formed company with no established experience or substantial capital backing.

    “No Cost to the State” – But Who Pays?

    One of the most contentious aspects of the agreement is the claim that the digital tracking system will be implemented “at no additional cost to the state.”

    TAGG has called this claim into question, highlighting the reality that costs in trade facilitation must be borne by someone, whether through new fees or increased prices for consumers.

    Will new charges be imposed on cargo, consignments, or transactions? Will these costs be passed on to traders, importers, or consumers, thus increasing the overall cost of doing business in Ghana?

    Furthermore, TAGG is seeking clarity on whether there will be a revenue-sharing model with TRUEDARE and what the long-term financial implications of the contract will be.

    The Need for Greater Transparency

    The ICUMS system, which has been widely regarded as a success in reducing customs leakages and improving operational efficiency, has become central to the debate.

    However, TAGG is concerned that rather than improving ICUMS with the addition of necessary AI and analytics modules, the government has opted for a new system altogether, potentially introducing unnecessary complexity and confusion.

    Additionally, questions have been raised regarding issues like data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and the integration of the new system with existing platforms. The lack of clear answers to these questions could jeopardize the long-term viability of the project and ultimately harm traders and consumers.

    TAGG’s Demands for Action

    In response to these concerns, TAGG has made several demands:

    Full Disclosure of the TRUEDARE Contract

    The government must make the entire agreement, including the financial model and technical details, publicly available, with only necessary security redactions.

    Independent Technical and Value-for-Money Review

    Parliament should commission an independent audit to assess any real gaps in the ICUMS system, determine whether these gaps can be addressed within the existing system, and evaluate whether the TRUEDARE system provides better value for money compared to alternatives.

    Clarification on Who Ultimately Pays

    The Ministry of Finance and GRA must clarify the remuneration model for TRUEDARE, any new or altered fees for traders, and the projected impact on the cost of doing business in Ghana.

    Moratorium on Implementation Until Transparency Is Achieved

    TAGG is calling for a temporary suspension of the TRUEDARE implementation until there is full transparency, and the long-term implications are reviewed by Parliament, private sector stakeholders, and civil society.

    The introduction of ICUMS was initially hailed as a revolutionary step towards reducing customs leakages, improving efficiency, and boosting revenue.

    TAGG acknowledges the successes of ICUMS, which has contributed to a significant increase in revenue since its introduction.

    However, with the recent contract awarded to TRUEDARE Investments, there are serious questions about the need for a new system and the potential risks to Ghanaian traders, importers, and consumers.

    TAGG is not opposed to technological advancement or the use of AI in customs processes but is deeply concerned about opaque contracts, lack of due diligence, and the potential for hidden costs.

    The group insists that Ghanaian businesses deserve full transparency and accountability before any further steps are taken.

    With the future of Ghana’s trade facilitation system potentially at stake, TAGG is calling on the government to heed the voices of industry stakeholders and ensure that the TRUEDARE agreement is fully examined and its implications clearly understood.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • GRA emphasizes tax compliance in 2026, unveils amended VAT Act

    GRA emphasizes tax compliance in 2026, unveils amended VAT Act

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has kicked off 2026 with a renewed focus on tax compliance, as Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong declares the year “a year of compliance”.

     

    In his New Year message, Sarpong urged taxpayers to comply with tax laws, emphasizing the GRA’s commitment to building a fair and trusted tax system.

     

    The amended Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, effective January 1, 2026, aims to simplify the tax system, consolidate tax laws, and improve compliance through digitization.

     

    Key changes include:

    – VAT Rate Reduction: The VAT rate has been reduced from 21.9% to 20%

    – Abolition of COVID-19 Levy: The COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy has been abolished

    – Decoupling of VAT on GETFund and NHIS Levies: VAT on GETFund and NHIS levies has been decoupled

    – Increased Registration Threshold: The VAT registration threshold has been increased from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000

    – Digitalization: The GRA will leverage technology, including an Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) and Artificial Intelligence5 (AI) system for Customs valuation

     

    Meanwhile, Mr Sarpong at a recent Editors’ forum in Accra highlighted the GRA’s plans to leverage technology, including the rollout of an Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) by March 2026 and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for Customs valuation.

     

    The authority will also intensify public education and sensitization on the new tax regime.

     

    “Improved stakeholders’ relation and tax compliance are key to our success,” Sarpong emphasized, urging taxpayers to understand the changes and comply with the new rules.

     

    The GRA aims to simplify tax experiences for businesses, making compliance easier and more efficient.

     

    The amended VAT Act is expected to boost revenue mobilization, support economic growth, and enhance Ghana’s development agenda.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • GRA denies targeting local businesses in tax enforcement drive

    GRA denies targeting local businesses in tax enforcement drive

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has pushed back against claims that its intensified tax enforcement disproportionately targets local businesses, arguing the outcome reflects the structure of the economy rather than policy bias.

    Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement in the Accra Central Area, Joseph Adjeikwei Annan, said the drive aims to improve compliance and broaden the tax base, not single out indigenous enterprises.

    “Local businesses make up the bulk of businesses in Ghana, so enforcement actions will naturally affect more of them,” Annan explained. “It’s not that we’re targeting our own; it’s just that there are more local businesses out there.”

    The GRA has intensified tax law enforcement, warning that businesses breaching tax obligations could face severe sanctions, including arrest and prosecution. The move aims to tighten compliance and improve revenue mobilisation.

    Meanwhile, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) expects the cost of doing business at ports to reduce significantly from next year, following government’s tax relief measures.

    The removal of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy and Electronic Transfer Levy, plus a VAT rate reduction from 21.9% to 20%, will lower transaction costs.

    “The tax reforms are a major boost for businesses, especially import and export operators,” said IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit. “We’ll pass the benefits to consumers through reduced prices.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • GRA clarifies duty payment by traveller at Kotoka Int’l Airport

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified that a traveller who arrived at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on December 5, 2025, carrying 18 mobile phones and other accessories, was required to pay duties on the goods as they exceeded the allowable personal concession outlined in the Exemptions Act 2022 (Act 1083).

    The traveller was issued a Bill of Entry (BOE No. 41225803295) and paid duties amounting to GH¢12,690.63, which was processed through the Customs platform (ICUMS). An official receipt was issued to the traveller.

    The GRA denied allegations of extortion and unfair treatment, stating that Customs officers acted professionally and within the law. The process applied is standard and applicable to all travellers who travel with goods in commercial quantities.

    The GRA encouraged travellers to declare and pay duty voluntarily if they carry items in commercial quantities and advised those with queries to contact Customs on arrival at the Airport.

    “We are all encouraged to know our taxes, pay our taxes and help build Ghana,” the GRA said. “GRA remains committed to providing transparent, fair and efficient service to all travellers at all ports of entry.”

  • GRA on the spotlight: ahead of IMF exit …domestic revenue mobilisation becomes priority 

    GRA on the spotlight: ahead of IMF exit …domestic revenue mobilisation becomes priority 

    The Ghana Revenue Authority is intensifying domestic revenue mobilisation in line with measures outlined in the 2026 Budget, as Ghana prepares to transition out of its IMF programme next year.

     

    Acting Head of Strategy and Research at the Authority, Dominic Naab, noted that the GRA has rolled out a number of targeted compliance and administrative reforms which, if executed effectively, are expected to strengthen revenue performance and provide the government with a more reliable stream of funds to support development priorities.

     

    He spoke to the media on the sidelines of the Media Foundation for West Africa’s Tax Dialogue.

     

    “We have instituted a lot of measures. If you look at the budget that was read for example, you have the E-VAT that is using electronic means to generate VAT invoices. That will help GRA to monitor real time what is happening. It means therefore that if we are able to do it very well, we are likely to make so much revenue. The [Finance] Minister also mentioned using artificial intelligence especially in port operations to make sure the gaps are identified and he also mentioned some mentioned some declaration defects and all those things will be corrected.

     

    “It is our hope that when these measures are put in place, we should be able to raise the revenue to help us develop our country. We are also aware there is fatigue internationally so we can’t get revenue from anywhere so we just need to generate revenue here. Truth of the matter is that there are people really making income but because they are not in our radar, we don’t get to tax them,” he said.

    As Ghana edges closer to the end of its IMF-supported programme, tax analysts say the effectiveness of domestic revenue measures will be crucial in determining the country’s fiscal resilien resilience beyond 2026.