Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced a shift towards a more customer-centric and collaborative approach to revenue collection, as part of its efforts to meet national revenue targets.
This new strategy replaces the previously criticized “Rambostyle” enforcement methods and is already proving effective, according to Daniel Edisi, the Deputy Commissioner of GRA in charge of Operations.
Speaking at a Capacity Building Workshop for Members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) in Accra, Mr. Edisi explained that the GRA’s new approach emphasizes education and collaboration with stakeholders. This, he said, has led to a significant achievement – meeting the mid-year revenue target for the first time in six years, an impressive feat given the challenges of an election year.
“It is now a bit of collaboration and education. Going forward, that is the strategy we are using, and it is already gaining some advantages for us,” Mr. Edisi stated. “We are sure we will be able to meet the target at the end of the year.”
The workshop, held at the Best Western Plus Beach Resort in Nungua, Greater Accra, forms part of GRA’s broader Tax Education Month initiative. The goal is to engage the media and other key stakeholders to help educate the public on the importance of tax compliance for national development.
Mrs. Florence Assante, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications and Public Affairs, underscored the importance of the training session for the Parliamentary Press Corps, emphasizing that it is critical for the media to understand and convey the GRA’s new customer-focused approach to the public.
“Taxation is a bit technical, so you need to explain and explain, and that is what we are trying to do. Now GRA is ‘customer-centric,’ and please carry this message across and let’s work together. Because without taxes, we can’t grow our nation and we can’t do anything,” she said.
During the workshop, Assistant Commissioners Lawrence Hotsonyame and Alphonse Quainoo provided journalists with insights into the GRA’s mandate, legal framework, and the customs processes and procedures. This knowledge-sharing is intended to enhance the media’s ability to report accurately on taxation matters and contribute to the broader goal of improved tax compliance.
The GRA’s shift in strategy, coupled with its ongoing engagement with the media and other stakeholders, marks a significant step in the Authority’s efforts to ensure sustainable revenue generation for Ghana’s development.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
