Turn Attention to Overlooked Areas for Taxes – Otumfuo to GRA

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to broaden its focus and target untapped sectors of the economy to widen the national tax net.

His Majesty stressed the importance of equitable revenue collection while highlighting that tapping into overlooked sectors — particularly informal businesses — is critical for maximising national development.

Otumfuo noted that this will help ease the burden on traditional taxpayers.

“Many people do not pay tax. Devise avenues to get to them and tax them. Some people do not even know they have to pay taxes. Sensitise the public about the need to pay taxes so they accept it. Don’t rely solely on the conventional taxpayers.

“The mechanics, barbers, and others must be reached through their associations. You can set a quota for the associations to mobilise periodically. Turn focus to the unconventional sector. If left, no one will pay tax, but with the right measures, the money can be solicited.”

Integrity
Otumfuo further underscored that revenue growth depends heavily on the integrity of the tax collectors themselves.

His Majesty emphasised that expanding the tax net would yield little result if field officers and revenue officials do not exercise transparency and accountability in their operations.

The Asantehene urged the GRA to enforce strict internal discipline, warning that corrupt practices and official dishonesty undermine public trust and deny the state crucial funds needed for national development.

“If your officers decide to cancel tax debt for their personal gain, that goes against the state. If we don’t want to go for loans, then we need to mobilise revenue locally, and that will spur development.”

Otumfuo noted that integrity will earn the Authority, including its staff, honour.

“Your names will be on record as the staff or officials within whose tenure the Authority amassed such historic revenue.”

Commendation
The Asantehene commended the leadership of the Ghana Revenue Authority, headed by Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong, for driving noticeable improvements in national revenue collection.

However, while acknowledging these operational gains, Otumfuo cautioned that significant revenue leakages still persist within the system.

He stressed that pluggable administrative loopholes, under-reporting, and collection inefficiencies continue to bleed the state of vital resources, urging the GRA’s management to couple their mobilisation efforts with aggressive anti-leakage measures.

Need for Mobilisation
The Asantehene affirmed that efficient revenue mobilisation remains the bedrock of national development, essential for empowering the government to deliver on its socio-economic promises to citizens.

Otumfuo observed that without a robust and steady flow of public funds, critical infrastructure development, healthcare expansion, and educational programs cannot be sustained.

The King noted that state interventions and developmental projects rely entirely on the government’s financial capacity, making aggressive yet fair tax collection a national necessity rather than a burden.

Courtesy Visit
Otumfuo made these remarks when the Board of Directors, Commissioners and senior management members of the GRA paid a courtesy visit to him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on August 7, 2026.

The occasion was used to introduce the Board members, seek the Asantehene’s blessings and announce the departure of Madam Agnes Adu Gyamfi Adjei, Ashanti Regional Director of the GRA.

The delegation included Board Chairman George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, Commissioner-General of GRA Anthony Sarpong, Mr Patrick Nomo (Board member), Madam Faustina Nelson (Board member), Mr George Ayiretey (Board member), Laadi Ayamba (Board member), and Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu (Board member).

In his remarks, the Commissioner-General briefed Otumfuo on the measures propelling revenue maximisation.

“We implemented some reforms. We started at customs. We have introduced modern technology there. It started in April. It is going well. When the Finance Minister went to Parliament recently, he announced it.

“Prior to that, we got GH¢4 billion. In the past three months, we have mobilised GH¢5.5 billion. In the sixth month, we got GH¢6 billion. This shows that the mandate is duly being delivered.”

He also reported that the Ashanti Region is able to achieve its targets.

He further announced that preparations are underway for Madam Agnes Adu Gyamfi Adjei, Ashanti Regional Director of the GRA, to bring her tenure to an end.

He disclosed that her successor will be appointed and presented for blessings in due time.

“Our new Area Director will be introduced once appointed, and will also be in charge of the northern sector of the country, and so your blessings will be much needed.”

Meanwhile, the Board Chairman expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for the enabling environment for its officers to realise their targets annually.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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