Accra: Mr Patrick Stephenson, Country Manager of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), has urged the government to improve tax mobilisation from artisanal and small-scale mining to boost domestic revenue. He emphasized that while this sector now accounts for a significant portion of Ghana's gold production, its contribution to state revenue remains relatively low.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Stephenson made these remarks during a policy dialogue on the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review organized by the Tax Justice Coalition-Ghana in Accra. He highlighted that discussions on domestic revenue mobilisation often focus on introducing new tax measures, despite existing opportunities within the extractive sector, particularly artisanal and small-scale mining.
Mr Stephenson pointed out that recent developments in the mining industry suggest that small-scale miners are responsible for a larger share of gold production than previously acknowledged. He questioned whether the current revenue system effectively captures the value generated within the sector.
He further explained that Ghana needs to reconsider its approach to formality and informality within the mining industry. Many operators classified as informal are engaged in significant commercial activities that generate substantial incomes yet remain outside conventional regulatory and tax frameworks.
Emphasizing the need for a different perspective on identifying and engaging economic actors within the sector, Mr Stephenson advocated for improved tax mobilisation. He noted that recent policy measures in the gold sector revealed production volumes not fully reflected in official systems, indicating significant economic activity beyond the reach of existing revenue collection mechanisms.
To enhance revenue collection from the sector, Mr Stephenson suggested policies that encourage compliance and improve reporting. He acknowledged recent reforms in the minerals sector, including efforts to increase the state's share of revenue during periods of high commodity prices, which could enable Ghana to benefit more from rising global gold prices while securing a fair share of proceeds from its natural resources.
Highlighting the country's fiscal challenges, he urged policymakers to explore innovative approaches to revenue mobilisation within the extractive sector, as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.
Mr Benedict Doh, National Coordinator of the Tax Justice Coalition-Ghana, identified illicit financial flows (IFFs) as a major challenge undermining revenue collection. He stressed the need to address and curb the increasing movement of illicit funds out of the country, which deprives the state of resources that could be invested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential public services.