The Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Anthony Sarpong, says his plan to reset Ghana’s revenue mobilisation drive is anchored on digital transformation, data integration, and inclusive strategies targeting the informal sector.
Speaking on an X Space hosted by The High Street Journal (THSJ) on Tuesday, he said the GRA is automating its operations and embracing technology as an enabler to identify and bring into the tax net individuals and businesses currently outside the system.
“Automation and digitalisation are central to our strategy. We are using technology to target taxpayers who are not already contributing, especially in the informal sector,” he said.
Mr. Sarpong emphasized the importance of harnessing data and insight to drive revenue collection. He noted that the Ghana Card would be a crucial tool in linking registered companies and businesses to the GRA through the Registrar of Companies.
“Through data integration, we can identify sources of income and track economic activity. This will help us create a fair and inclusive tax system,” he said.
He revealed that the informal sector, which contributes about 30% of Ghana’s GDP, remains a largely untapped source of revenue, even though it accounts for nearly 80% of potential taxpayers. Most of these economic actors, he noted, operate within market spaces across the country.
“To widen the tax net, we must engage the informal sector. But this will be done gradually and fairly to ensure order and understanding,” Mr. Sarpong said.
He stressed the need for sustained education and sensitisation to build tax consciousness in the informal sector.
The GRA, he said, is shifting towards a more customer-centric approach, aiming to build public trust and strong partnerships to improve voluntary compliance.
“We must build trust and partnerships with the public. Our approach will be centered on creating strong, customer-focused relationships that encourage taxpayers to see the value of compliance,” he said.
Mr. Sarpong reaffirmed the Authority’s goal to raise the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio from the current 17% to 18%, in line with national fiscal goals.
He added that enabling businesses to pay VAT when they sell, and ensuring a fair approach to tax collection, will be key to achieving these targets.
