The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has urged staff of the Osu Tax Service Centre to scale up their efforts in domestic revenue mobilisation.
Dr. Forson, who paid a working visit to the Centre on Monday, said while the government has made significant gains in expenditure control and the Bank of Ghana continues to perform strongly, revenue generation must now “rise to the challenge.”
Addressing staff, the minister stressed that his visit was meant to encourage and not to interfere with their work.
“I will not obstruct revenue collection, no matter whose ox is gored,” he assured.
He noted that improving compliance and strengthening collection is far more sustainable than resorting to tax increases.
“It pains me anytime we resort to higher taxes instead of widening compliance and improving collection. We cannot keep piling taxes on an already burdened taxpayer,” he said.
Dr. Forson announced that next year, the ministry will deploy new electronic tools to enhance efficiency in revenue administration.
To incentivise staff, the Minister pledged to approve all bonuses due them—provided they meet their targets.
“Together, we can build a fairer, stronger, and more sustainable revenue system for Ghana,” he added.
Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, Acting Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, welcomed the Minister and expressed excitement on behalf of the team, noting that the visit was both timely and motivating.
The Chairman of the GRA Workers Union, Theophilus Ehun, also assured Dr. Forson of the staff’s commitment, saying they will work diligently to achieve the targets set for them.
The visit forms part of the Finance Minister’s renewed push to strengthen compliance, modernise tax administration, and reduce Ghana’s reliance on tax increases by improving efficiency and fairness within the revenue system.
info@businessghana.com
