Accra: The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a stern reminder to citizens and businesses to submit their income tax returns by the end of April or face possible sanctions. This directive is aimed at taxpayers whose financial year concludes on December 31, 2026, as emphasized by Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, Acting Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, during a recent tax awareness event in Accra.
According to Ghana Web, the event was themed 'Know your taxes, pay your taxes, let us build Ghana together,' underscoring the importance of tax compliance for national development. Dr. Yamborigya highlighted that timely tax filings are crucial for the government's revenue mobilization efforts, which fund infrastructure and essential services. The GRA also announced the establishment of taxpayer service centres across the country to assist individuals and businesses in meeting their tax obligations, with a focus on increasing tax awareness over the next three years.
Francis Timore Boi of the Chartered Institute of Taxation added that enhanced tax compliance could significantly improve infrastructure and public services. Despite the prevalence of income-generating activities, compliance levels in Ghana are still low. Boi emphasized the importance of both direct and indirect taxes in funding essential services like healthcare and road construction. He stressed that even small contributions could have a substantial impact on national development, urging citizens to consider tax payment as a civic responsibility crucial for the government's ability to recruit essential workers, including nurses.