GRA Introduces New Tax Education and Compliance Scheme

  

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched two major national initiatives, the Sustained National Tax Education Programme and the Modified Taxation Scheme aimed at enhancing voluntary tax compliance and strengthening domestic revenue mobilization to support Ghana’s development agenda.
The dual launch, held in Accra under the theme “Know Your Tax, Pay Your Tax, Let’s Build Ghana,” was graced by government officials, development partners, business associations, and other stakeholders.
Delivering the welcome address, the Commissioner-General of GRA, Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, described the launch as a defining step toward building a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system that drives sustainable national development.
“Revenue mobilization from taxation remains the lifeblood of our national development. It is through taxes that we build roads, schools, hospitals, empower local governments, and secure the foundations of a strong economy,” Mr. Sarpong said.
He emphasized that Ghana’s progress depends not on external aid but on a collective commitment to raise domestic revenue for the common good, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of building a self-reliant nation.
The Sustained Tax Education Programme, according to the Commissioner-General, will equip citizens with the knowledge and skills to register, file, and pay taxes correctly. The three-year programme seeks to embed tax awareness into Ghana’s national consciousness through continuous education across schools, markets, professional bodies, and digital platforms.
“When citizens are well-informed, compliance becomes a natural choice rather than an obligation enforced by law,” he noted.
The second initiative, the Modified Taxation Scheme is designed to simplify tax processes for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and informal sector operators through technology-driven solutions. The scheme introduces a flat rate of 3% for individuals and enterprises with annual incomes not exceeding GH¢500,000, making tax compliance simpler and more predictable.
Mr. Sarpong explained that registration and payment will be done through a mobile app and third-party agents, working closely with associations and digital platforms to make compliance convenient for artisans, drivers, and traders.
He revealed that GRA estimates about eight million potential taxpayers in the informal sector, with the scheme expected to bring in up to GH¢10 billion in revenue in its first phase and GH¢30 billion by the second phase.
The Commissioner-General reaffirmed GRA’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability, pledging to strengthen collaboration with the private sector and development partners to enhance compliance and service delivery.
“We must build a culture where paying taxes is seen not as a burden, but as a patriotic contribution to national development,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to development partners including the British Government, IMF, World Bank, and the German Government for their support toward revenue mobilization, as well as to business associations such as AGI, GUTA, and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Sarpong concluded with a call for collective responsibility:
“The journey toward a self-reliant and prosperous Ghana begins with the simple principle that we all must contribute our fair share. Taxes are not a burden but a bridge to build better schools, healthcare, roads, and a better future for us all.”