IF there was one thing comedian Lekzy Decomic could change if he had the power, it would be what he describes as ‘high taxes’ charged on comedy shows in Ghana.

The four-time Ghana Comedy Awards Stand UP Comedian of the Year would love the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to relook its approach to taxing comedy shows, saying the 21 per cent charged on each ticket is too high for a growing industry.

In a recent conversation with Graphic Showbiz, Lekzy, who has been advocating a review of the taxes, noted that the comedy industry was still growing and should not be levied like other established  businesses.

“I think the current percentage charged is unfair. So if there’s anything I could change, it will be the approach of GRA towards comedy shows. Right now, comedy events are treated just like any other  business for tax purposes, but I don’t think that’s the best approach.

“Comedy in Ghana is still a growing industry, and promoters and comedians are  investing heavily to keep it alive. I believe the GRA should find a way to support us by easing the tax burden until the industry becomes more established.

“We are not saying we will not pay taxes because we understand it is our responsibility, but the percentage charged on ticket sales is quite outrageous. If those taxes are reviewed or reduced, it would encourage more people to organise comedy shows, help the industry grow, and ultimately generate even more revenue for the show,” he explained.

According to him, a thriving Ghanaian comedy industry could also help project the nation's image globally if given the chance.

“If I were in a position of authority, I would suggest that anytime the President travelled, he takes along some Creatives, especially comedians. In history, we are told Dr Kwame Nkrumah was doing something similar,” he stated.

He stressed that comedians are uniquely placed to promote Ghana's culture and tourism better than any other group.

"Nobody can propagate the culture of any country better than comedians. There are stories I heard about Warri in Nigeria, but until I travelled there, I didn't realise they were from Nigerian comedians.

“So, for us to push the whole tourism narrative and tell the Ghanaian story, I think comedians are well positioned. We can actually sell our story in a very positive way,” he noted.

Born Emmanuel Lekzy, Lekzy revealed that comedy has flung open doors his graphic design qualification probably could never have unlocked.

"I studied graphic design in school, but comedy and its accompanying spotlight have really helped me a lot.  I have been able to afford certain things; it has given me access to people and also made me enter places that, probably, if I were following what I studied in school, I wouldn't have been able to achieve," he stated.

Asked if today's comedians were having it easier, he said the hard work had not changed, even though social media had made comedians more visible.

"We are still building our careers on live theatre stages. It doesn't matter which year or generation you're talking about; we are all still on the stage doing our thing. The only difference is that social media has probably made us more popular not just among Ghanaians but also abroad.

“Also, I can't say much when it comes to earnings in the eighties and nineties. But I believe there has been some level of improvement over the years," he added.