Gov’t Committed to Stronger Tax and Fiscal Reforms – Opoku-Agyemang
Vice President says sustainable development depends on stronger domestic revenue systems
- Gov’t to expand tax base and abolish some withholding taxes
- Crackdown on gold smuggling as part of fiscal reforms
- National Governance Council proposed to engage CSOs
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to robust tax and fiscal reforms, urging a decisive shift from dependency on foreign aid to more sustainable, homegrown financing for national development.
Speaking at the opening of the Ghana Civil Society Forum in Accra on June 25, she outlined key initiatives to improve public financial management. These include tackling gold smuggling, expanding the country’s tax base, and overhauling current tax policies.
“Ghana, like many African nations, is moving away from aid-reliant economic strategies,” she stated. “We are focused on strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation and implementing far-reaching reforms in public financial oversight.”
She disclosed that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been directed to significantly boost its annual revenue generation beyond the existing 0.6% rate. Among planned changes is the removal of withholding taxes on select transactions, alongside tighter regulation to curb illegal gold trade.
Additionally, Professor Opoku-Agyemang announced that the government is exploring the creation of a National Governance Council. This body would serve as a formal mechanism to foster consistent dialogue with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
“We are institutionalising collaboration with CSOs through structured platforms,” she noted. “Already, we’ve hosted major forums like the National Economic Dialogue and the National Education Dialogue. The proposed Council will ensure ongoing, inclusive stakeholder participation in shaping critical reforms.”
