MP for Cape Coast South Chairs 9-member GRA Board

The Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South Constituency, Hon. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, has been appointed the Board Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The Board comprises Mr. Anthony Sarpong, the Commissioner-General; Dr. Patrick Nomo, Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance; Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, MP for Techiman North; and Madam Faustina Nelson, Seasoned Politician & Businesswoman.

Also included are Dr. Zakaria Mumuni, 1st Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Mr. George Ayiretey, retired Customs Officer; Hon. Francis-Xavier Sosu, MP for Madina; and Hon. Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, MP for Pusiga.

At the inauguration event, the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, acknowledged the enormity of the task, noting that it comes at a time when the government faces significant fiscal constraints with an urgent need to bolster domestic revenue mobilisation efforts.

Citing inaccessibility to the capital market and withdrawal of USAID funding, the Minister’s aid optimizing domestic revenue mobilization had become essential.

“We are embarking on a fiscal consolidation objective of improving the primary balance on a commitment basis from a deficit of 3.9% of GDP to a surplus of 1.5% in 2025 and beyond. An integral part of this strategy is domestic revenue mobilization.

“Indeed, on a yearly basis, we have programmed to add on at least 0.6 percentage points of GDP to our revenue collection, with the view to ensuring that we do not only meet our fiscal target of a primary surplus of 1.5% of GDP but also our debt sustainability target of reducing the external debt service to revenue ratio from 28% in 2022 to 18% by 2028.”

According to him, several key areas require collective attention and urgent action including:
* Accelerating the Modernisation of the Ghana Revenue Authority:
This entails not merely upgrading systems but transforming GRA’s operational efficiency. A modern, efficient, and automated GRA will facilitate tax collection, minimise opportunities for avoidance, and significantly enhance the taxpayer experience.

* Building a Culture of Integrity:
The Ghanaian public must have unwavering confidence in GRA’s commitment to fairness and ethical conduct. Corruption and fraud must be eradicated, as every cedi lost represents a missed opportunity for national development.

* Revenue lost through corruption translates to unbuilt schools, unpaved roads, and lives adversely affected by inadequate healthcare, unsafe drinking water, and poor sanitation.

* We must uphold the highest standards, root out unethical behaviour at all levels, and exemplify transparency, accountability, and service to the nation.

* Combating Smuggling:
Smuggling poses a significant threat to our tax administration, local industries, and economic sovereignty. It depletes tax revenue, undermines local industries, and exports jobs that should remain in Ghana.

* This economic injustice and national security threat must be addressed decisively through stronger enforcement, enhanced intelligence, and close collaboration with other agencies.

* Reforming Internal Operations:
There is an urgent need to amend aspects of GRA’s human resource management policy to mandate the rotation of officers after two years in a given position.

* This strategic measure aims to reduce the risk of collusion, broaden professional experience, and ultimately strengthen staff development and organisational performance.

* Fostering Collaboration with the Ministry of Finance: I urge the Commissioner-General and GRA management to work closely with the Revenue Policy Division of the Ministry of Finance.

* As a policy unit, they offer relevant research and innovative ideas that can enhance your work and yield better outcomes.

* As Minister for Finance, I am committed to supporting GRA in fulfilling its mandate. My doors remain open to feedback, new perspectives, and strategies that advance the work of both the Board and Management.

* I will be signing a performing bonus MOU with the Commissioner-General of GRA to be witnessed by the Commissioner of Domestic Tax and Commissioner of Customs.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini