The Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry have intensified calls for structured collaboration to improve tax administration and create a more business-friendly environment.
Mr. Anthony Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, has proposed quarterly engagements between the Authority and the leadership of the Chamber to address business concerns and strengthen compliance.
He made the proposal at a high-level business forum organised by the GNCCI in Accra, dubbed “Time with the GRA Commissioner-General,” part of an ongoing dialogue series aimed at enhancing cooperation between the private sector and state institutions.
Mr. Sarpong described businesses as key partners in national development, stressing that effective tax administration depended on trust, transparency and consistent engagement.
He acknowledged challenges businesses sometimes faced in dealing with the Authority and assured participants that reforms were underway to improve service delivery, accountability and operational efficiency, while maintaining strong domestic revenue mobilisation.
According to him, the GRA had initiated internal reforms targeting improved staff conduct and institutional culture, alongside the adoption of digital tools to enhance efficiency, strengthen data management and build public confidence.
He highlighted recent tax reforms, including changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) system, which have eliminated cascading levies and streamlined its application to reduce the cost burden on businesses.
Mr. Sarpong also pointed to the implementation of the Fiscal Electronic Devices framework, aimed at automating VAT collection and improving compliance nationwide. He said selected businesses were already participating in pilot phases ahead of full rollout.
On customs operations, he explained that the introduction of an artificial intelligence-driven valuation system at the ports was designed to improve fairness and consistency in cargo valuation, while minimising human discretion.
The Commissioner-General further announced the rollout of an Integrated Tax Administration System, which will provide a unified platform linking customs and domestic tax operations. The system will also integrate databases from other state institutions to expand the tax net and boost revenue collection.
“The goal is to build a transparent, technology-driven tax system that supports business growth and reduces reliance on borrowing,” he said.
Mr. Stephane Miezan, President of the GNCCI, described the engagement as a vital step toward strengthening cooperation between the tax authority and the business community.
He noted that businesses often encountered operational challenges and inconsistencies in their interactions with the GRA, making sustained dialogue necessary.
Mr. Miezan said the Chamber, which represents more than 10,000 businesses nationwide, remained committed to bridging the gap between the private sector and government institutions.
He outlined key concerns raised by members, including delays in tax refunds, inconsistencies in exemption policies, delays in issuing exemption certificates, and challenges associated with the AI-driven customs valuation system.
Other issues included rising import costs, delays in updating tax credits, and bottlenecks in cargo clearance processes.
Mr. Miezan expressed confidence that continued engagement would help build trust, improve understanding and foster a more predictable and supportive business environment.
