Ghana wants to wean itself from the overdependence on foreign aid and borrowing, through the effective mobilization of domestic tax revenue.
To make this dream a reality, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says we must all take our national duty seriously by paying the taxes we owe.
Speaking in Accra on Wednesday, the Commissioner-General of GRA, Anthony Sarpong, said that a stronger and safer Ghana can only happen if everyone, from big businesses, small shops, artisans, market women, and even young professionals, plays their part. He emphasized that paying taxes is not a punishment but rather how we help to build the roads we drive on, the hospitals we rely on, the schools for our children, and the jobs that keep this country going.
To put it plainly, he maintained that Ghana’s socio-economic development shouldn’t depend on outsiders. He says it depends on the citizens.
“Our progress as a nation depends not on external aid but on our collective commitment to contribute faithfully to raise domestic revenue for our common good,” he remarked.
To make this easier, the GRA has introduced two big changes. The first is a national tax education programme. For the next three years, GRA officials will visit schools, universities, markets, churches, business groups, and social media platforms to teach people how taxes work, how to register, how to file, and how to pay.
The goal is to remove confusion, explain things in everyday language, and help everyone know their rights and responsibilities. It is the firm belief of the GRA that when people understand taxes, they are more willing to do the right thing.”
The second change is a new and simpler way for small businesses and individuals to pay tax. It is called the Modified Taxation Scheme. The aim is to remove the stress and difficulty associated with the payment of taxes, especially by players in the informal sector.
To put it simply, the scheme takes out the difficulty in calculating tax obligation and minimize the stress in payment of the taxes.
As part of the new scheme, it was announced that if your business makes up to GH¢500,000 a year, you will now pay a flat rate of just three percent. And that is not all; you can do it on your phone. No long queues. No complicated forms.
He gave an example that if someone earns GH¢200,000 in a year, the tax is GH¢6,000 for the whole year. If they earn GH¢25,000, the tax is GH¢750. Simple. Straightforward. Affordable.
In addition, the GRA has launched a new app, dubbed the MTS app, which can now be found on both the Play Store and the App Store to simplify tax payments.
Anthony Sarpong thanked international partners who have supported Ghana over the years, but reminded everyone that “this is our country, and if we want Ghana to change, we must help make that change.”
He concluded by emphasizing that citizens must know their taxes, pay their taxes, and help build Ghana together.
