Media Urged to Champion Upcoming Tax Reforms

  


The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has called for a deeper and more consistent partnership between the GRA and the media as the country prepares for major tax policy reforms outlined in the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
Speaking during an interaction with editors and the GRA Press Corps in Accra, Mr. Sarpong said the evolving tax landscape, including upcoming reforms to the VAT Act, Income Tax Act and Customs Act, requires clear, continuous, and simplified communication to ensure public understanding and voluntary compliance.
He described the media as a crucial partner in tax administration, noting that their work “lights the path” for public education and awareness. According to him, technological deployments, regulatory changes, and new administrative processes planned for the coming years will only succeed if taxpayers fully understand how the reforms affect them.
“Paying taxes comes with hesitancy for many people, especially when they do not understand the system,” Mr. Sarpong stated. “If we journey with you—the men and women of the media—during this time of change, it becomes easier and more convenient to convey the message to all taxpayers.”
The Commissioner-General emphasized that the media’s role goes beyond dissemination, explaining that journalists also provide valuable feedback that helps the Authority improve its efficiency and correct operational gaps. He urged media practitioners to equip themselves with deeper knowledge of tax obligations so they can educate the public accurately and confidently.
In a candid moment, Mr. Sarpong asked those present how many had filed their 2024 tax returns—only a few hands went up. He said this was not due to unwillingness but to the need for better awareness and simpler filing processes. He expressed optimism that, with sustained education, future engagements would show much higher levels of compliance.
Reaffirming GRA’s tagline—“Understand your taxes, pay your taxes, and let’s build Ghana together”—Mr. Sarpong appealed to journalists to become ambassadors of tax education through their reporting and daily interactions with the public.
He ended by expressing appreciation for the strong turnout and reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to constructive engagement: “Thank you for coming in your numbers. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that strengthens Ghana’s tax system.”

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