The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has emphasized that taxation is crucial for building a civilized society and providing essential social amenities. According to the GRA, citizens who desire improved public services and infrastructure must accept their civic responsibility by paying both direct and indirect taxes. The GRA's remarks were made at a regional forum on tax education and gender-responsive accountability mechanisms, organized by NORSAAC.
The forum, part of NORSAAC's Democratic Dialogue for Progressive Taxation project, brought together market women, taxpayers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The project aims to tackle inequality in Africa by promoting progressive tax policies that help governments mobilize domestic resources and fund inclusive and gender-responsive public services. The project is funded by Oxfam in Ghana and implemented in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda.
Some market women expressed frustration over the processes involved in filing their taxes and paying withholding tax. Hajia Fuseini Kande, Manager of Masfak Investment, accused the GRA of unfair treatment and excessive tax demands. In response, officials explained the procedures and legal basis for the various taxes. The forum provided taxpayers with an opportunity to seek clarification on tax obligations and raise concerns about the operations of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
The Democratic Dialogue for Progressive Taxation project has several components, including evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue, strengthening civil society coalitions, and creating platforms for interaction between citizens, policymakers, and revenue authorities. The project also includes media capacity and investigative journalism training to expose tax injustice, corruption, and illicit financial flows. Journalists will receive specialized training and mentorship to produce impactful investigative stories on taxation, transparency, and accountability.
Revenue Officer at the GRA in the Northern Region, Solomon Damtar, acknowledged that individuals and businesses sometimes find it difficult to meet their tax obligations. He stressed that taxation remains a civic responsibility and a critical source of funding for national development. Mr. Damtar encouraged taxpayers to visit the nearest GRA office for clarification and assistance on their tax obligations.
Senior Revenue Officer, Alhaj Baako Jagbo, stated that once a citizen earns income, the law requires the person to pay tax. A member of the Ghana offline community, Abubakari Ahmed Tijani, commended NORSAAC for bringing stakeholders together to understand the importance of tax and appealed to GRA to engage young people on their tax policies and benefits associated with them.
The forum provided a platform for citizens to engage with the GRA and MMDAs, and demand accountability on the use of public funds. Project Officer Bernice Ayonab explained that the project aims to promote progressive tax policies and strengthen civil society coalitions. The GRA officials reiterated that they only implement tax laws passed by Parliament and do not independently determine the taxes citizens are required to pay.
Key points
- The Ghana Revenue Authority emphasizes taxation as a civic responsibility crucial for national development.
- The Democratic Dialogue for Progressive Taxation project aims to promote progressive tax policies and tackle inequality in Africa.
- Taxpayers express frustration over tax processes, while officials encourage engagement and accountability.
