The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has renewed its call for stronger tax compliance among businesses and individuals, stressing that voluntary adherence to tax obligations is essential to supporting government revenue mobilisation and sustaining national development.
The appeal was made by Tax Administrator and Coordinator of Domestic Tax Revenue Division Projects at the GRA, David Lartey Quarcoopome, during an edition of Time with GRA – GRA Connects.
According to him, improving tax compliance remains a critical component of Ghana’s efforts to rebuild fiscal resilience, strengthen public finances and reduce dependence on external borrowing.
Mr. Lartey Quarcoopome noted that domestic revenue continues to play a central role in financing public services and development projects across the country.
He explained that government’s ability to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and social intervention programmes depends largely on the willingness of taxpayers to meet their obligations.
“Stronger engagement between taxpayers and the Authority is critical to improving compliance, broadening the tax base and ensuring that the state has the resources needed to finance public services.” - Mr. Lartey Quarcoopome
The GRA official emphasized that registration, timely filing of returns, issuance of proper tax invoices and accurate record keeping are mandatory requirements under the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915).
Education and Digitalisation Drive
Mr. Lartey Quarcoopome said many compliance challenges stem not only from deliberate tax evasion but also from a lack of understanding of tax obligations and filing requirements.
He encouraged taxpayers to make use of GRA taxpayer service centres and digital platforms, describing access to accurate tax information as a fundamental right under Ghana’s tax administration framework.
The Authority has accelerated its digital transformation agenda in recent years through online filing systems, electronic invoicing solutions and expanded taxpayer education initiatives aimed at simplifying compliance and improving transparency.
The renewed campaign is expected to place significant attention on small businesses, self employed persons and informal sector operators, many of whom face challenges with bookkeeping and tax filing procedures.
Mr. Lartey Quarcoopome also reminded registered taxpayers that filing obligations remain in force even during periods of inactivity.
He advised taxpayers with no business activity during a reporting period to submit nil returns rather than fail to file altogether, warning that non compliance could attract penalties, interest charges and other legal sanctions.
Building a Stronger Tax Culture
The GRA believes improving tax compliance is essential to increasing Ghana’s tax to GDP ratio and strengthening the country’s long term economic prospects.
As Ghana seeks to create more fiscal space for development spending, the Authority says sustainable growth will require a stronger culture of compliance built on taxpayer education, institutional trust and responsible revenue management.
The latest campaign, officials say, serves as both a reminder of legal obligations and an invitation for taxpayers to engage proactively with the Authority to support national development through voluntary compliance.
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