GRA Commissioner-General calls for stronger media collaboration to boost tax compliance and accountability

The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Madam Julie Essiam, has highlighted the crucial role of media collaboration in enhancing public awareness of tax obligations and ensuring accountability in the GRA’s operations.

Speaking at a one-day training workshop for members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) on Friday, August 23, in Accra, Madam Essiam, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Mr. Daniel Adisi, GRA Deputy Commissioner of Operations, emphasized that informed and responsible media coverage is vital. Such coverage, she noted, can drive the GRA to improve its performance while effectively educating citizens on their tax responsibilities.

Madam Essiam urged media practitioners to deepen their understanding of tax laws to enhance the accuracy and quality of their reporting. The workshop aimed to boost journalists’ knowledge and skills in covering taxation and customs operations.

According to Madam Essiam, informed media reporting will not only keep the GRA accountable but also ensure that taxpayers are well-informed about their obligations, leading to increased compliance with tax laws.

She also explained that taxation is strictly governed by statute, relying on explicit legislative enactments rather than common law or judicial decisions.

Madam Essiam acknowledged the demanding schedules of the PPC members, appreciating the difficulty of securing full participation at such workshops. She expressed gratitude to the PPC leadership, commending the Dean for ongoing collaboration efforts to demystify taxation for the public.

“We look forward to more engagements that will demystify the concept of taxation, ensuring that everyone is equipped with the right information,” she stated.

The Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps, Simon Agianab, praised the GRA for its impactful tax policies and emphasized the authority’s vital role in national development. He highlighted the significance of understanding the GRA’s evolving role in driving economic growth through taxation and lauded the positive outcomes of the transformative tax measures introduced since 2021.

“Today, we will explore the operations of the Authority, focusing on the tax measures they have implemented since 2021, which have positively impacted our nation,” the Dean remarked.

Mr. Agianab also recognized the GRA’s achievements over the past four years, acknowledging their resilience in overcoming challenges while continuously improving Ghana’s tax systems. He encouraged participants to focus on the GRA’s future vision and to consider how the authority’s work could evolve over the next five years.

The workshop provided valuable insights into the GRA’s operations and the impact of their revenue mobilization efforts on the Ghanaian economy.