The 14th Annual International Tax Conference has opened with a call for stronger collaboration among government, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), businesses and taxpayers to improve Ghana’s tax system.
The conference, being held under the theme “Tax Reforms in Practice: Implications for Businesses and Tax Administration,” is focusing on the practical impact of tax reforms on businesses, taxpayers and revenue administration.
The opening ceremony highlighted the importance of predictable and transparent taxation, effective domestic revenue mobilisation and the modernisation of tax administration.
Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, said tax reforms were largely driven by necessity and aimed at responding to emerging economic realities while improving the efficiency of revenue administration.
He said the reforms focus on reducing the burden on taxpayers, simplifying tax processes and modernising the administration of the tax system.
Mr. Sarpong stressed the need for reforms to translate into a tax environment that is easier to understand and navigate, particularly for businesses and individual taxpayers.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang underscored the importance of fairness in taxation and called for greater emphasis on taxpayer education and voluntary compliance.
She also highlighted the need to expand Ghana’s tax base to improve domestic revenue mobilisation and reduce the pressure on existing taxpayers.
The Vice President’s address emphasised the role of an informed taxpayer population in strengthening compliance and building confidence in the tax system.
The conference provides a platform for tax experts, government officials, businesses and other stakeholders to examine the implementation of tax reforms and their implications for tax administration and economic activity.
Discussions at the conference are expected to focus on practical measures to ensure that ongoing reforms improve compliance, strengthen revenue mobilisation and create a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment.
The organisers said the conference would help translate policy reforms into practical outcomes that support businesses, taxpayers and the broader Ghanaian economy.
