The 8th High-Level Policy Dialogue and 23rd General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has opened in Accra, bringing together Heads of Tax Administrations from across West Africa.
The meeting, which also marks WATAF’s 15th anniversary, is focused on strengthening tax administration and promoting regional cooperation to improve domestic revenue mobilisation.
Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, led discussions on strategies for building taxpayer trust and improving voluntary compliance.
He highlighted the importance of public confidence in tax institutions as a key factor in strengthening revenue mobilisation and creating a sustainable tax system.
WATAF Executive Secretary, Jules Tapsoba, also underscored the forum’s commitment to deepening cooperation among tax administrations in the sub-region.
The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of a challenging fiscal environment in West Africa, characterised by rising public debt, increasing development needs and relatively low tax-to-GDP ratios.
Participants stressed that stronger domestic resource mobilisation is critical to reducing fiscal pressures and financing sustainable development across the region.
The General Assembly is expected to provide a platform for tax authorities to share experiences, identify common challenges and develop strategies to strengthen tax administration and revenue collection across West Africa.
