Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to adopt a more persuasive and strategic approach to tax collection, rather than relying on intimidation.
His remarks came in response to concerns raised by members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) in the Ashanti Region, who have previously complained about perceived discrimination and intimidation by officials of the Customs Division of the GRA.
Speaking at the National Sales Leaders Conference in Accra on Wednesday, August 14, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of shifting the GRA’s methods to better align with the needs and concerns of taxpayers.
“During one of the board meetings at the Ghana Revenue Authority, I shared with the board members that it’s time for the GRA to move away from strict enforcement and instead become an integral part of the system,” he stated.
He further explained, “The GRA should view taxpayers as vital contributors to government operations and should engage them in a way that builds trust and cooperation. By doing so, we can attract more revenue for the state.”
