Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has charged staff of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to scale up domestic revenue mobilization efforts, stressing that Ghana’s economic recovery must now be supported by stronger and more efficient tax collection rather than repeated tax increases.
Dr. Forson made the call during a working visit to the Osu Tax Service Centre on Monday, where he commended recent progress in expenditure control and praised the stabilizing role of the Bank of Ghana, but cautioned that revenue performance must now “rise to the challenge.”
He was emphatic that his visit was meant to motivate staff and not interfere with their professional responsibilities.
“I will not obstruct revenue collection, no matter whose ox is gored,” he assured.
Dr. Forson criticized the overreliance on tax increases as a revenue strategy, describing it as both unsustainable and unfair to compliant taxpayers.
“It pains me anytime we resort to higher taxes instead of widening compliance and improving collection..We cannot keep piling taxes on an already burdened taxpayer,” he said.
To support the revenue effort, Dr. Forson announced that the Ministry of Finance will roll out new electronic tools next year to modernize revenue administration, improve efficiency, and support frontline tax officers.
In a direct incentive to staff, he pledged to authorize all legitimate bonuses due revenue officers, contingent on meeting agreed performance targets.
“Together, we can build a fairer, stronger, and more sustainable revenue system for Ghana,” he stated.
The Acting Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, welcomed the Minister and said the visit had boosted morale among staff.
Similarly, Chairman of the GRA Workers’ Union, Theophilus Ehun, assured the Minister of the staff’s dedication to meeting and surpassing revenue targets.
The visit forms part of Dr. Forson’s broader drive to strengthen compliance, modernize tax administration, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on tax hikes by improving efficiency, fairness, and accountability within the revenue system.
Similarly, Chairman of the GRA Workers’ Union, Theophilus Ehun, assured the Minister of the staff’s dedication to meeting and surpassing revenue targets.
The visit forms part of Dr. Forson’s broader drive to strengthen compliance, modernize tax administration, and reduce Ghana’s dependence on tax hikes by improving efficiency, fairness, and accountability within the revenue system.
