Accra: The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the business community to enhance tax administration, compliance, and economic growth. Mr. Anthony Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, proposed quarterly engagements with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) to address and resolve business concerns efficiently. This call was made during a high-level business engagement session in Accra, organized by the GNCCI under its dialogue series titled 'Time with the GRA Commissioner-General.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Sarpong highlighted that businesses should be viewed as 'partners in development' rather than just taxpayers. He stressed the importance of continuous dialogue and mutual understanding. Acknowledging the frustrations businesses sometimes face in dealing with the GRA, he assured participants about ongoing reforms aimed at improving customer experience, transparency, and operational efficiency, while maintaining domestic revenue mobilisation.
Mr. Sarpong elaborated on internal reforms focused on enhancing staff conduct and institutional culture, leveraging technology to improve efficiency, data management, and public trust. He outlined digital reforms including a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) system intended to lower cost burdens on businesses by eliminating cascading levies and streamlining VAT application.
He also mentioned the rollout of the Fiscal Electronic Devices Act, aimed at automating VAT collection and improving compliance across the country. Selected businesses will participate in pilot phases before full implementation. On customs reforms, he explained that an AI-powered valuation system had been introduced at the ports to improve fairness, consistency, and transparency in customs assessments.
Mr. Sarpong announced the implementation of an Integrated Tax Administration System, designed to create a seamless taxpayer platform linking customs and domestic tax operations, integrating databases from other State institutions to broaden compliance and enhance revenue mobilisation. He emphasized that the ultimate objective of these reforms is to establish a fair, transparent, and technology-driven tax administration system that supports business growth and reduces Ghana's dependence on borrowing.
Mr. Stephane Miezan, President of the GNCCI, described the engagement as a crucial platform for fostering understanding and cooperation between tax authorities and private sector operators. He acknowledged the operational difficulties and misunderstandings businesses often encounter with the GRA, stressing the need for direct dialogue. The Chamber, representing over 10,000 businesses nationwide, is committed to serving as a bridge between the private sector and government institutions.
Mr. Miezan highlighted various concerns such as delays in accessing tax refunds, inconsistencies in exemption policies, delays in issuing exemption certificates, challenges with the AI-powered customs valuation system, increasing import costs, and delays in tax credit updates and cargo clearance. He expressed optimism that the engagement would improve trust, strengthen partnerships, and foster a more business-friendly environment through sustained collaboration between the GRA and the private sector.