The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to adopt a more friendly and accommodating approach in enforcing Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance among traders.
GUTA President, Clement Boateng, said while enforcement was necessary to improve tax compliance, the exercise should be supported by sustained education and sensitisation to ensure that businesses and consumers understand their obligations under the VAT regime.
He made the call at the launch of the VAT Compliance Campaign.
Mr Boateng said the nationwide campaign, which combines education, awareness creation and enforcement, would require close cooperation between the GRA and the business community to achieve its objectives.
“After this launch today, there is going to be a nationwide education, sensitisation, enforcement and awareness creation to let Ghanaians know why there is the need for those who qualify to pay VAT to do so,” he said.
He, however, urged the GRA to ensure that officers deployed to markets treated traders with respect and understanding during compliance visits.
“What I will entreat GRA to do is to attach a human face when the time comes for them to go to the market for the exercise. Their officers who will be deployed to the markets should be friendly and accommodative in carrying out their duty,” he said.
Mr Boateng also called on the GRA to educate consumers about incentives available to those who demand VAT invoices after making purchases.
He said greater consumer awareness could encourage customers to insist on receiving proper VAT invoices and, in turn, support efforts to improve compliance.
“I will also urge GRA to include in their education the incentive that will be given to consumers who demand VAT invoices after their purchase,” he added.
The GUTA President said the association would encourage its members to cooperate with the GRA throughout the nationwide campaign.
“GUTA on our part will also encourage our members to be cooperative so that together we will have a smooth programme and improve on our tax to GDP ratio for the betterment of Mother Ghana,” he stressed.
The VAT Compliance Campaign is expected to combine taxpayer education, public awareness and enforcement to ensure that businesses that meet the requirements for VAT registration and collection fulfil their tax obligations.
The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen VAT compliance and improve domestic revenue mobilisation.
