Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, has urged Ghanaians to demand VAT invoices after purchases to promote tax compliance, accountability, and revenue mobilisation for national development. He made the call in Accra when the Ghana Revenue Authority launched the National VAT Compliance Campaign. The campaign's theme is "Request Your VAT Invoice, Help Build Our Nation." Dr. Forson emphasized that requesting VAT invoices would help consumers verify taxes charged and promote transparency in business transactions.
The Minister said the government had implemented major VAT reforms to strengthen tax administration and improve voluntary compliance. These reforms include the abolition of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy and the decoupling of the GETFund and National Health Insurance levies from the VAT base. Additionally, the effective VAT rate was reduced from 21.9 per cent to 20 per cent, and the VAT registration threshold was raised from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000. The government also extended VAT zero-rating on locally manufactured textiles to 2028.
Dr. Forson stated that the reforms were designed to make the VAT system simpler and more efficient, support businesses, and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation. He said VAT invoices protected consumers by providing evidence of transactions and enabling them to verify whether the correct amount of tax had been charged. Proper invoicing would also encourage businesses to maintain accurate records and comply with tax laws, creating a level playing field for compliant businesses.
The Minister emphasized that revenue mobilisation was a shared national responsibility involving the government, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), businesses, and citizens. He called on businesses to ensure that every taxable transaction was properly invoiced, train staff to issue VAT invoices, and ensure that their accounting and invoicing systems complied with GRA requirements. Dr. Forson urged the GRA to intensify tax education across various sectors.
Dr. Forson commended business associations for supporting the government's tax reforms and noted that there was still room to improve compliance. Ghana's tax-to-GDP ratio is currently at 13.9 per cent, with a target of 18 to 20 per cent by the end of 2027. He urged the media to help spread the campaign message nationwide and encouraged every Ghanaian to make it a habit to ask for their VAT invoice.
The National VAT Compliance Campaign aims to educate citizens about the importance of VAT invoices and promote tax compliance. The campaign will be conducted across markets, shopping centres, transport terminals, communities, educational institutions, and workplaces, leveraging radio, television, social media, and community leaders. Dr. Forson encouraged Ghanaians to take an active role in promoting tax compliance and revenue mobilisation.
The Minister's call to action is part of the government's efforts to strengthen tax administration and improve revenue mobilisation. By demanding VAT invoices, Ghanaians can contribute to building a stronger economy and promoting national development. The government remains committed to implementing policies and reforms that promote tax compliance and accountability.
Key points
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson urges Ghanaians to demand VAT invoices to promote tax compliance and revenue mobilisation.
- The government has implemented major VAT reforms to strengthen tax administration and improve voluntary compliance.
- Ghana's tax-to-GDP ratio is currently at 13.9 per cent, with a target of 18 to 20 per cent by the end of 2027.
