The Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA, has extended it’s Tax and Good Governance Month into May as part of efforts to deepen tax compliance and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation amid ongoing fiscal consolidation.
Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the extension after filing his tax returns alongside his deputy, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
The campaign, traditionally observed in April, is aimed at promoting voluntary tax compliance, improving filing rates and strengthening accountability across the economy.
“Taxpayers are encouraged to use digital platforms and support channels provided by GRA. This month of April was set aside as Tax and Compliance Governance Month and it’s important to note that today, the Commissioner of Domestic Tax Revenue has stated that he’s extending the month of April to cover the month of May,” he said.
Dr. Ato Forson emphasised that Ghana’s development strategy must increasingly rely on internally generated funds rather than debt financing.
“Ghana cannot always depend on borrowing to finance development. It is only through domestic resource mobilisation that our development can be sustained,” he said.
He noted that strengthening tax compliance would expand fiscal space, enabling government to fund priority sectors without exacerbating debt vulnerabilities.
The Minister called for increased participation from all segments of the economy, including public officials, corporate entities and individuals, noting that compliance remains uneven.
He stressed that tax compliance goes beyond a statutory requirement and plays a central role in economic stability and growth.
“Compliance is not just a legal obligation; it is a shared responsibility. When taxpayers meet their obligations, the burden is distributed more fairly and development accelerates,” he said.
In a move to reinforce accountability, Dr. Forson disclosed that he and his deputy had filed their tax returns, signalling what he described as a commitment to transparency and good governance.
The gesture, he noted, is intended to build trust in the tax system and encourage voluntary compliance.
“Nobody is above the tax law. Leadership must demonstrate compliance to strengthen public confidence in our institutions,” he added.
The Minister highlighted ongoing reforms by the Ghana Revenue Authority to modernise tax administration and improve ease of compliance.
These include the rollout of digital platforms, enhanced taxpayer support systems and measures to reduce compliance costs while improving transparency.
Taxpayers were encouraged to utilise these digital channels and seek guidance from official GRA support services where necessary.
Dr. Forson further noted that Ghana must build a stronger taxpaying culture, comparable to jurisdictions where compliance rates are significantly higher during filing periods.
He commended the GRA for its ongoing public education efforts but called for intensified outreach to improve awareness and understanding of tax obligations.
“It is through sustained education that citizens will fully appreciate their responsibility to file and pay taxes,” he said.
Fiscal sustainability at stake
The extension of the compliance campaign comes at a time when Ghana is seeking to stabilise its public finances and reduce reliance on external financing.
The Finance Minister reiterated that domestic revenue mobilisation remains the most reliable and sustainable source of funding for national development.
“Paying taxes is an investment in our country. Strengthening compliance and integrity in the system will help us build a more resilient and self-sustaining economy,” he said.
He urged taxpayers who are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, warning that sustained non-compliance could undermine efforts to achieve long-term fiscal stability.
