News Guide Africa

Tag: Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)

  • GRA pilots online system to tax digital and e-commerce businesses

    GRA pilots online system to tax digital and e-commerce businesses

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that it is piloting an online and e-commerce revenue mobilisation system as part of efforts to expand the country’s tax net.

    According to the Authority, the growing digital economy has created a surge in online businesses and startups, making it necessary to develop new mechanisms for tracking and collecting taxes from such platforms.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, said the new system will enable the Authority to identify and monitor online business activities for effective revenue collection.

    “We are also looking at the digital economy side because the businesses and individuals are moving online… So we are at the moment piloting an online technology that will help us to identify e-commerce and other emerging online businesses,” Mr. Sarpong explained.

    He added that the GRA is preparing to launch a modified taxation model by November 5, aimed at enhancing revenue generation from the informal sector.

    Under the new model, informal sector businesses with annual earnings of up to GH¢500,000 will be required to pay a 3% tax rate.

    The GRA believes this initiative will help capture more businesses within the tax net and boost domestic revenue mobilisation.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Customs Boss embarks on strategic working visit to Oti and Volta

    Customs Boss embarks on strategic working visit to Oti and Volta

    The Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Brigadier-General Glover Ashong Annan, has reaffirmed management’s commitment to providing officers of the Division with the necessary tools and logistics to ensure effective border management and safeguard national revenue.

    He disclosed this during a strategic working visit to the Oti and Volta Regions, aimed at assessing operational effectiveness and to engage with officers and stakeholders at the Otii and Ho Collections. The visits also aimed at motivating officers to uphold high standards in their duties.

    As part of his routine staff engagement, the Commissioner visited the Menuso Border Post and the Oti Collection, where he interacted with officers and encouraged them to work hard to generate the necessary revenue for National Development.

    The Sector Commander Oti Collection, William Appah, assured the Commissioner of the collection’s readiness to exceed the revenue target for the year.

    During his tour of the Ho Collection, Brig. Gen Annan visited the Honuta, Shia and Nyive Border stations to get direct insight into operational issues and motivate officers to maintain high standards in their work.

    He commended the officers for their dedication to duty and encouraged them to uphold the values of professionalism, integrity, and innovation.

    A major highlight of the visit was the donation of army combat boots to officers stationed at key stations. The Commissioner noted that the boots would improve patrol capabilities, enhance surveillance, and support anti-smuggling operations in remote communities across the Oti and Volta enclaves.

    Receiving the donation on behalf of the staff, the Sector Commanders, Ho and Oti Collections, thanked management for the timely support, emphasizing its potential to greatly improve operational efficiency and revenue protection.

     

     

  • GRA launches GovTech Innovation Challenge to enhance tax mobilization

    GRA launches GovTech Innovation Challenge to enhance tax mobilization

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched the GovTech Innovation Challenge, a new programme designed to drive innovative digital solutions that strengthen tax administration, particularly within the informal sector and the rapidly growing e-commerce space.Ghanaian Cultural Tours

    The inaugural initiative, spearheaded by the World Bank in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Geneva-based Trust Valley, seeks to connect government agencies with technology firms to address pressing public sector challenges through digital transformation.

    Speaking at the launch, GRA Commissioner-General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, said the Challenge aims to mobilize startups and small businesses to deliver practical solutions that improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen services. He stressed that the 2025 edition will focus on enhancing revenue mobilization by creating simple, smart tax solutions for the Authority.

    “This initiative is expected to help us achieve our target of mobilizing GH¢360 billion in revenue by 2028,” Mr. Sarpong noted. “The Innovation Challenge offers a unique opportunity to strengthen efficiency in tax administration, especially within the informal economy. Already, a number of digital startups have expressed interest in participating.”

    A Senior Public Sector Specialist and Task Team Leader at the World Bank, Shiho Nagaki, highlighted that Ghana remains a priority country for the World Bank and SECO in matters of tax mobilization and economic development. She explained that participants will have the chance to co-design and pilot real-world government solutions, access executive-level training in Switzerland, receive international recognition, and tap into the Trust Valley innovation ecosystem.Ghanaian Cultural Tours

    Eligibility and Timeline

    Trust Valley CEO, Lennig Pedron, outlined the participation criteria, stating that the Challenge is open to legally incorporated early-stage startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with fewer than 75 employees and annual revenue under US$5 million.

    The application deadline is September 19, 2025, with pitch sessions scheduled for September 22–26, 2025. Selected proposals will be announced on October 3, 2025. Shortlisted participants will attend a bootcamp in Switzerland from November 11–14, 2025, and present their final solutions at the GovTech Conference in Geneva on December 2, 2025, alongside Trust Valley Day.

    Trust Valley, a Swiss competence center for digital trust and cybersecurity, is leading the coordination of the competition, bringing together public authorities, academia, and private sector players to foster innovation and strengthen digital confidence.

    The GovTech Innovation Challenge is expected to become a catalyst for modernizing Ghana’s tax administration system, expanding the tax net, and unlocking new revenue streams for long-term economic growth.

  • New tax regime will ease burden on creatives – GRA

    New tax regime will ease burden on creatives – GRA

    Victor Yao Akogo, Chief Revenue Officer at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has announced a new tax regime that will bring some relief to players in the cultural and creative industries.

    Emphasising that, the modified system will exempt some creatives from mandatory Value Added Tax (VAT) registration.

    “There is a modified taxation coming this September. The modified taxation seeks to let us know that when you are making an annual turnover of up to GH₵20,000 you pay 3% of it a year as tax on your turnover”, the GRA official said while speaking at the 7th edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable hosted by Kwame Dadzie. “. And you are not expected to register for VAT. If your turnover is above GH₵200,000 then the law enjoins you to register for VAT.”

    According to him, the VAT charged on entertainment events is money collected on behalf of patrons, who are the actual consumers of the content.

    He stressed that whether shows are ticketed or not, event organisers are required to pay the VAT component.

    Victor advised creative entrepreneurs to register their businesses with the GRA in order to access any available tax reliefs.

    The event, themed “GRA Vs. Creatives – Taxation and the Future of Ghana’s Creative & Digital Economy”, brought together event organisers, DJs, MCs, artiste managers, bloggers, YouTubers, musicians, film makers, fashion designers, visual artists, dancers, comedians and other creative entrepreneurs. Officials from the GRA were also present to engage the creative community on how taxation affects their work.

    Another speaker from the GRA was Isaac Kobina Amoako, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of the GRA IT Training Centre.

    Industry voices at the forum included Kojo Poku, Vice President of the Event and Meeting Professionals Association of Ghana; Francis Doku, Chief Executive Officer of Maestro Africa Group; Robert Klah, Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse; playwright and CEO of Globe Productions Latif Abubakar; poet and literary coach Nana Asaase, comedian Lekzy DeComic, among others.

  • GRA sets records straight on ‘Auction of Perishable Goods’ as maritime traders cry foul

    GRA sets records straight on ‘Auction of Perishable Goods’ as maritime traders cry foul

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) set the record straight by defusing claims by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) in regard to auction of perishable goods at the country’s ports.

    The Authority, in a statement issued by the Communication & Public Affairs Department, clarified that its actions are in line with the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), which contains specific provisions for both perishable and non-perishable goods.

    The statement explained that perishable goods left unclaimed for over 21 days can be legally disposed of through public auction by a “Proper Officer,” as stipulated in Section 53(3)(a) of the Act. Motor vehicles, on the other hand, are given a longer window of 60 days for clearance.

    Emphasizing that, it is misleading for importers to claim that they have 60 days to clear perishable goods. Instead, importers are urged to use pre-cargo arrival clearance processes to settle duties early and avoid delays.

    However, GRA reiterated its commitment to fairness, integrity, and strict adherence to customs laws, assuring the public and stakeholders of its continued transparency and service.

    Meanwhile, IEAG has accused politically connected cartels of hijacking the auctioning of perishable goods at the country’s ports, warning the practice is crippling businesses and eroding investor confidence. Travel deals

    In a strongly worded statement, the Association linked the development to Ghana’s persistent foreign exchange shortages, which it says have left importers unable to access dollars quickly enough to clear shipments.

    According to the Association, under existing law, goods on the Uncleared Cargo List (UCL) are meant to enjoy a 60-day grace period before being auctioned. But the IEAG says this window has been slashed to just 21 days without explanation, a loophole it claims is being exploited by politically connected businessmen who scoop up consignments at cut-rate prices, often without any proper gazetting or legal process.

    Even more galling for traders, according to the group, is that while importers lose their goods and still face heavy demurrage charges, the beneficiaries of these auctions pay little more than a service fee of GH₵6,000 to GH₵10,000.

    “This fraudulent system not only robs importers of their hard-earned capital but also denies the state valuable revenue at a time when Ghana desperately needs every pesewa,” the Association said.

    The IEAG is demanding the immediate restoration of the 60-day grace period, a first-time clearance option for importers struggling with forex, and a full investigation by the Customs Division and security agencies into what it calls a “political cabal” profiting from the system. It is also calling on the Bank of Ghana to ensure that commercial banks make forex available at fair rates.

    The Association has warned it could mount mass action if authorities fail to intervene swiftly.

     

  • GRA sets records straight on ‘Auction of Perishable Goods’ as maritime traders cry foul

     

     

     

     

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) set the record straight defusing claims by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) in regards to auction of perishable goods at the country’s ports.

     

    The Authority, in a statement issued by the Communication & Public Affairs Department, clarified that its actions are in line with the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), which contains specific provisions for both perishable and non-perishable goods.

     

    The statement explained that, perishable goods left unclaimed for over 21 days can be legally disposed of through public auction by a “Proper Officer,” as stipulated in Section 53(3)(a) of the Act. Motor vehicles, on the other hand, are given a longer window of 60 days for clearance.

     

    Emphasizing that, it is misleading for importers to claim that they have 60 days to clear perishable goods. Instead, importers are urged to use pre-cargo arrival clearance processes to settle duties early and avoid delays. However, GRA reiterated its commitment to fairness, integrity, and strict adherence to customs laws, assuring the public and stakeholders of its continued transparency and service.

     

    Meanwhile, IEAG has accused politically connected cartels of hijacking the auctioning of perishable goods at the country’s ports, warning the practice is crippling businesses and eroding investor confidence.Travel deals

     

    In a strongly worded statement, the Association linked the development to Ghana’s persistent foreign exchange shortages, which it says have left importers unable to access dollars quickly enough to clear shipments.

     

    According to the Association, under existing law, goods on the Uncleared Cargo List (UCL) are meant to enjoy a 60-day grace period before being auctioned. But the IEAG says this window has been slashed to just 21 days without explanation, a loophole it claims is being exploited by politically connected businessmen who scoop up consignments at cut-rate prices, often without any proper gazetting or legal process.

     

    Even more galling for traders, according to the group, is that while importers lose their goods and still face heavy demurrage charges, the beneficiaries of these auctions pay little more than a service fee of GH₵6,000 to GH₵10,000.

     

    “This fraudulent system not only robs importers of their hard-earned capital but also denies the state valuable revenue at a time when Ghana desperately needs every pesewa,” the Association said.

     

    The IEAG is demanding the immediate restoration of the 60-day grace period, a first-time clearance option for importers struggling with forex, and a full investigation by the Customs Division and security agencies into what it calls a “political cabal” profiting from the system. It is also calling on the Bank of Ghana to ensure that commercial banks make forex available at fair rates.

     

    The Association has warned it could mount mass action if authorities fail to intervene swiftly.

     

  • GRA, NIA standoff over debt claims

    GRA, NIA standoff over debt claims

    Stakeholders of Ghana’s maritime industry has waded into the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) exchange over alleged unsettled debt calling for swift resolution.

    They fear further escalation of the situation could severely disrupt cargo clearance at the country’s ports. But, GRA has clarified that the said past transactions lack the necessary regulatory and governance approvals required for payment.

    GRA noted in a press release issued by the Communication and Public Affairs Department, that the so-called debt stems from a legacy arrangement made prior to 2025. It further expressed surprise over recent media reports and public statements by the NIA which alleged that GRA was disconnected from the NIA’s Identity Verification System (IVS) due to unpaid fees, emphasizing that, its operations are guided by transparency and compliance with governance protocols, in line with the current administration’s “reset” vision. As such, the Authority cannot act on transactions that fall outside regulatory frameworks.

    The release also revealed that the NIA has long operated desk offices within GRA premises nationwide, registering individuals and issuing Ghana Cards without paying rent or utility fees. Despite this, GRA insists it remains committed to inter-agency cooperation and ongoing high-level discussions aimed at resolving the issue.

    While GRA has identified procedural breaches and the absence of a formal service agreement, it reiterated its readiness to collaborate with NIA to integrate the Ghana Card into the tax system.

    However, the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), while speaking at the Association’s 11th Anniversary celebration and the launch of its new website, underscored the urgent need for cooperation between the two state institutions to avert economic disruption.

    “Mr. Chairman, this development, as reported, raises serious concerns about data security and potential disruptions to critical services. The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana urges the leadership of the Ghana Revenue Authority to take pragmatic steps to resolve this issue amicably with the NIA,” Samson Asaki Awingobit said.

    “This is especially crucial given the potential impact on businesses, particularly in the maritime trade sector. From a professional standpoint, if the NIA proceeds with deleting its data from the GRA server, it could severely disrupt port operations,” he added.

     

  • Analysts urge GRA to review 3% flat tax rate for small businesses

    Some tax analysts are calling on the, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to review the 3% flat rate applied to businesses with annual sales of GH¢20,000 and above, arguing that the threshold is too low.

    The call comes amid the rollout of several new tax policies, including the Modified Taxation Scheme, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The scheme targets informal sector workers across the country.

    Speaking to Citi Business News, tax analyst Francis Timore Boi acknowledged the GRA’s efforts in implementing the scheme but emphasized the need to revisit the flat rate threshold.

    “The threshold of GH¢20,000 is quite low. It should be increased slightly to exempt only very small businesses. Imagine 3% of GH¢20,000—that’s just GH¢600 for the entire year. That’s very little. A higher threshold would make more sense,” he said.

    Despite his concerns, he praised the broader initiative, noting its potential to expand the tax base and reduce the overall tax burden in the long term.

    “If we’re able to broaden the tax base, you’ll see that the current tax rates can actually come down. The reason government keeps introducing higher rates and consumption taxes is because too few people are in the tax net.”

    Mr. Timore Boi also expressed concern over the scheme’s mid-year rollout, highlighting the limited time available for businesses to adjust and comply.

    “We have just six months left in the year, and it seems there hasn’t been enough sensitization. Initially, we’re likely to see resistance from small businesses—especially since many of them are being taxed for the first time.”

    He stressed the need for more intensive public education campaigns and suggested that future rollouts begin at the start of the calendar year.

    “More sensitization is key. Ideally, implementation should begin in January to give government a full year to collect revenue and give businesses time to adapt. Still, it’s better late than never. If executed well, this scheme could significantly broaden the tax base and, over time, reduce rates on other tax categories.”

    The Modified Taxation Scheme applies to different categories of businesses based on their annual income:

    Small businesses earning less than GH¢20,000 a year

    → Will pay a fixed amount every quarter (up to GH¢45).

    Businesses earning between GH¢20,000 and GH¢500,000 a year

    → Will pay a flat tax rate of 3% on their total annual sales.

    Businesses earning above GH¢500,000 a year

    → Will be taxed using graduated rates and allowed to make deductions based on their expenses.

    Tax payments can be made through mobile money, USSD (*222#), or at the bank.

    Business owners can register for the scheme at any GRA office or through the GRA mobile app.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • VAT reforms: GRA targets September 2025 to finalise report ahead of 2026 budget

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that it is on course to complete work on the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) reforms by September 2025.

    The reforms, which aim to address longstanding distortions in the VAT system, are expected to be incorporated into the government’s 2026 economic policy and national budget.

    Speaking after a stakeholder engagement in Accra, Commissioner of Domestic Revenue at the GRA, Edward Apenteng Gyamera, revealed that the authority is currently undertaking a nationwide consultation process to solicit feedback from key players in the trade and business sectors.

    “This is part of the process to get every stakeholder’s input on the upcoming VAT reform by the Ministry of Finance.

    In all, we have four engagements in Accra and others in Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale before releasing the final draft in the next few weeks,” he explained.

    “We should also bear in mind that these are just proposals and not final decisions.”

    The VAT reform was initiated by the Ministry of Finance in response to concerns about inefficiencies and complications in the current payment system, which has been in place for over a decade.

    Mr. Gyamera assured stakeholders that their contributions would be seriously considered and explained that, where specific proposals cannot be adopted, clear justifications will be provided.

    The overarching goal of the reform is to broaden the tax base and boost VAT’s share of domestic revenue by over 20%, enhancing Ghana’s fiscal stability and economic resilience.

    Earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided technical assistance to the government and the Ministry of Finance to support the reform process.

    According to the GRA, the IMF’s recommendations will be thoroughly reviewed before any final decisions are made.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • GRA rolls out reformed informal sector tax system …as new report shows they are willing to tax compliant

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

    As Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is preparing to roll out a reformed informal sector tax system aimed at improving tax compliance and revenue collection, the players have shown willingness to be compliant.

    GRA announced last week that, starting July 2025 it will implement a new tax compliant framework targeting informal sector workers not currently registered with the GRA, but earning annual sales below GHc 20,000. Such employees will be required to pay a fixed quarterly tax between GH¢25 and GH¢45.

    This forms part of government efforts to widen Ghana’s tax basket. Tax compliance within the informal economy has long been hindered by failure to apply the right policies and collection systems. According to a new report titled “Ghana’s Untapped Economy: Analysis of Tax Compliance Behaviour of Informal Sector Workers in the Greater Accra Region” published by BudgIT Ghana in collaboration with the Society for Women in Taxation Ghana and the International Budget Partnership (IBP), while many informal sector workers are willing to comply with tax obligations, systemic obstacles continue to block voluntary compliance and limit revenue mobilisation.

    “A major underlying issue is the widespread distrust in government institutions. Many informal workers believe tax revenues are either mismanaged or lost to corruption”, the report captured. “This perception has eroded confidence in the tax system and weakened the motivation to contribute. The lack of visible benefits—such as improved infrastructure or essential services—only deepens public scepticism.”

    Beyond issues of governance, the report also identifies structural and economic factors impeding compliance. Income instability across the sector makes it difficult for many to make regular tax payments. The tax system itself is often seen as complex and opaque, with bureaucratic registration processes that are difficult to navigate, particularly for those with limited formal education.

    Women in the informal sector face additional challenges. The report finds that female entrepreneurs—who make up a significant portion of the workforce—are disproportionately burdened by indirect taxes and more frequent enforcement. Many report experiences of harassment, limited financial flexibility, and the pressure of balancing business operations with caregiving duties.

    Despite these challenges, the study notes a strong willingness among informal workers to pay taxes if the system becomes more transparent, equitable, and attuned to their everyday realities.

    To address these issues, BudgIT Ghana and its partners recommend targeted reforms, including simplified tax registration and payment processes through mobile and decentralised platforms. The report also calls for the expansion of mobile money and USSD-based payment options to make tax compliance more accessible. Additionally, it advocates for gender-sensitive tax policies, such as flexible payment arrangements and anti-harassment enforcement protocols.

    Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner for Research and Policy at GRA, Dr. Alex Kombat, while speaking at the launch of the report, explained that the revised system seeks to broaden Ghana’s tax base and promote fairness in revenue mobilization.

    “We have developed a system called modified taxation. Those with turnover below GHc 20,000 will pay a fixed amount—GHc 25, GHc 35, or GHc 45. For those with turnover between GHc 20,000 and GHc 500,000, we’ll apply a 3% tax on their turnover. This marks a shift from the traditional tax collection methods,” he stated.

    Dr. Kombat added that the initiative is expected to launch by July 1 and appealed for public support, especially from the media, to ensure its successful implementation.

    The Country Manager at BudgIT Ghana, Jennifer Moffatt, stressed the importance of collaboration between the GRA and local authorities to enhance tax collection in the informal sector.

    “One of our key recommendations is for the GRA and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to collaborate on tax collection. Many informal sector workers feel more comfortable paying levies to local authorities than to the GRA,” she noted.

    Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation, Esi Sam endorsed the initiative, stating that it will simplify tax compliance for informal sector workers.

    “When you understand something, it becomes easy to do because it’s straightforward. So, if the modified taxation system is being introduced, it’s a good move—it will simplify the process and make it easier for people to understand,” she said.