The ceremony also recognised 24 graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Transfer Pricing.

Speaking at the Institute’s 2025 Orientation, Graduation and Membership Induction Ceremony in Accra on Saturday, the President of CITG, Mrs Ernestina Christina Appiah, said tax professionals had become increasingly important to economic stability as government works to reinforce public finances and drive recovery.

She noted that the graduates had met all professional requirements, including examinations and the mandatory one-year post-qualification experience, while 24 candidates had completed the advanced diploma.

She described taxation as “the backbone of national diplomacy and economic growth,” stressing that trained practitioners were essential to promoting compliance, fiscal responsibility and sound financial decision-making.

“Training lies at the heart of our profession but training alone does not make a complete professional. Integrity, honesty, transparency and fairness are the pillars upon which our profession stands,” Mrs Appiah said.

She urged the inductees to support policies aimed at broadening the tax net, enhancing compliance and boosting revenue mobilisation.

She also cautioned against the growing number of unqualified individuals posing as tax consultants, warning that such actors mislead taxpayers and undermine national revenue efforts.

The President further encouraged the graduates to pursue their careers with discipline and professionalism, adding: “I have full confidence in your ability to excel and uphold the dignity of this noble profession.”

The Institute’s Vice-President, Mr Fred Awuttey Kwashie reinforced the call for high professional standards, noting that only well-trained tax experts could provide accurate guidance to taxpayers.

“When you are trained, you are able to advise taxpayers on how to comply and manage their tax exposure. You ensure they pay the correct taxes, neither too much nor too little,” he said.

Commenting on the tax reforms proposed in the 2026 Budget, Mr Kwashie said government adjustments to VAT thresholds, the abolition of the flat rate and the removal of the COVID-19 levy were likely to widen the tax base rather than reduce revenue, adding that lowering the burden on taxpayers often encourages voluntary compliance.