During a working visit to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Circle Tax Service Centre, the Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance challenged all staff to re-commit themselves to discipline, integrity and professionalism, underscoring the country’s ambition to meet its revenue goals for the year.
He explained that his visit was meant to listen to staff concerns, encourage them, and help map out concrete steps to boost tax-collection performance. According to the minister, the national revenue targets “are conservative and fully within reach” provided there is renewed dedication from all involved.
“Our success depends on commitment, discipline and integrity in how we mobilize revenue,” said Forson, calling those values central to the effort.
He identified three critical priorities to strengthen tax collection:
Limiting external interference that can hinder operations.
Enforcing stricter compliance ensuring that taxpayers meet their obligations; and
Expanding the use of digital systems to close loopholes and improve efficiency.
The minister reiterated his support for performance-based accountability: employees who perform well and help deliver results should be recognized and rewarded, while those whose “actions or inactions” undermine the tax offices or broader state revenue efforts will be held responsible.
He emphasized the urgency of the task, noting that “Ghana cannot afford anything less,” and urged personnel to rise to the challenge as the nation seeks a more robust, fair and sustainable tax system.
Revenue context: recent performance and outlook
In 2024, the GRA collected about GH₵153.5 billion, exceeding its GH₵145.9 billion target by roughly 5.3%, reflecting a strong recovery.
The boost was driven by a 31.6% increase in domestic revenue and a 47% jump in customs collections.
For the first three quarters of 2025, total revenue and grants amounted to GH₵154.9 billion, representing 11.1% of GDP, though still 4.7% below target.
Nonetheless, the year-on-year growth of 22.8% in total revenue suggests “steady recovery and improved domestic resource mobilization,” according to the finance minister.
Against that backdrop, the minister’s call for renewed discipline and greater use of technology and compliance enforcement comes at a critical time as Ghana aims to consolidate gains and close remaining gaps in revenue mobilization.