Abena Osei Asare directs GRA to recover taxes from public institutions

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has officially directed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to intensify its efforts in recovering outstanding taxes from various public institutions and private businesses. During a committee hearing on October 15, PAC Chairperson Abena Osei Asare emphasized the critical need for transparency and rigour in tax collection, particularly regarding entities specifically cited in the Auditor-General’s reports for non-compliance or arrears. The directive comes at a time when the GRA has reported a strong fiscal performance, having successfully exceeded its revenue mobilization targets as of September 2025.

The committee reviewed significant progress made by certain state agencies in settling their financial obligations during the session. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was highlighted for making substantial strides in debt management, having repaid GH₵1.3 billion of its outstanding tax debt to the state. Furthermore, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) provided updates on its regulatory compliance measures, revealing that 93% of the vehicles required to hold specific licenses have now been properly documented and processed. These updates are viewed as a positive sign of improved fiscal discipline within the public sector, though the committee maintains that more work is required to clear all remaining arrears.

Beyond tax recovery, the PAC hearing addressed operational and safety concerns within the energy sector. Representatives from the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) briefed the committee on measures being taken to manage unutilized properties and improve pipeline safety initiatives. Chairperson Abena Osei Asare concluded the session by stressing that the recovery of every cedi owed to the state is vital for national development and fiscal stability. She urged the GRA to maintain its current momentum, ensuring that the transparency shown during these hearings translates into sustained revenue growth and the complete rectification of issues identified by the Auditor-General.