Ghanaian comedian OB Amponsah has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), spotlighting the financial strain faced by creatives in the entertainment industry following live events. His comments, shared publicly after receiving a tax liability notice from the GRA, reveal the economic challenges confronting event organizers despite their contributions to Ghana’s cultural landscape.
The notification, dated January 19, 2026, assessed a total tax liability of GH₵27,648.97 for the “Greetings from Abroad” comedy show held on December 20, 2025 at the Bukom Boxing Arena. The breakdown includes GH₵20,073.91 in VAT, GH₵4,418.79 in NHIL, and GH₵3,156.28 for the Get Fund levy. According to OB Amponsah, the event ran at a loss of GH₵5,000, making the tax bill not only burdensome but financially untenable.
“The optics at the gate is not what reflects on paper,” Amponsah lamented, pointing to discrepancies between ticket sales and actual revenue. He emphasized the widespread use of complimentary tickets as a strategic sacrifice to build audience loyalty and industry visibility,an effort that often goes unrecognized in tax assessments.
While acknowledging the GRA’s mandate to enforce tax compliance, Amponsah questioned the fairness of the current system. “Integrity. Fairness. Service. But where is the fairness in this?” he asked, urging the Authority to engage more deeply with event organizers to understand the full financial picture.
The comedian’s remarks opens a broader conversation about the sustainability of Ghana’s creative sector, particularly for independent artists and producers who operate without the backing of corporate sponsors or record labels. His call for dialogue with GRA officials, including Chief Revenue Officer Mariama Ewuntoma, reflects a growing demand for policy reforms that balance revenue collection with industry growth.
As Ghana’s entertainment industry continues to expand, his call adds up to advocating voices for tax frameworks that reflect the realities of creative entrepreneurship.
