GRA Targets GH•310 Billion Revenue by 2028 Amidst Digital Reforms and VAT Compliance Crackdown

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to more than double its annual tax revenue, targeting a collection of GH•310 billion by 2028. Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong announced the goal, which seeks to grow collections from the GH•155 billion recorded in 2024 through a structured annual progression. The strategy, discussed during high-level tax conferences in Accra, sets clear benchmarks of GH•182 billion for 2025, GH•225 billion in 2026, and GH•260 billion in 2027. This revenue drive is designed to broaden the tax base and eliminate leakages without the necessity of raising existing tax rates.

A central pillar of this revenue objective is the urgent need to address systemic VAT non-compliance. The GRA has raised alarms over findings that approximately 60% of businesses currently fail to properly account for or remit Value Added Tax (VAT) to the government. Commissioner-General Sarpong revealed that while many businesses collect VAT from consumers, only four out of ten are correctly remitting those funds. To combat this, the Authority is enforcing the Fiscal Electronic Devices Act, which requires businesses to use government-approved electronic devices to provide real-time transaction visibility. This initiative is complemented by the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), a unified digital platform for registration, filing, and payment that began its phased rollout in April 2026.

Beyond domestic enforcement, the GRA is strengthening international partnerships to modernize its customs operations. A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom, focusing on technical assistance and post-clearance audits. This partnership, described by HMRC’s Terri Sarch as a milestone in bilateral ties, aims to transition Ghana toward a digital, risk-based customs model. By enhancing trade facilitation for legitimate traders while aggressively targeting high-risk operations, the GRA expects to see a substantial improvement in border revenue collection and international trade efficiency.

Despite these advancements, the GRA maintains that technology alone cannot resolve the challenge of revenue leakages. Officials noted that some businesses continue to attempt to circumvent new digital systems, necessitating a dual approach of stringent enforcement alongside technological transformation. As the GRA pursues its 2028 target, the successful full-scale integration of ITAS and the rigorous application of the Fiscal Electronic Devices Act will be critical in increasing Ghana’s tax-to-GDP ratio and ensuring a stable funding base for public services under the current administration.