The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is urging citizens to cultivate a stronger culture of tax compliance, stressing that paying taxes is a civic responsibility essential for national development.

According to Dominic Nartey, many Ghanaians remain reluctant to fulfil their tax obligations, a situation that continues to affect the country’s revenue mobilisation efforts.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Barima Kofi Dawso on Kro Yi Mu Nsem on Nhyira FM, Mr. Nartey pointed out that Ghana currently records one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in sub-Saharan Africa.

“In fact, in Ghana we don’t really like paying taxes. If you look at sub-Saharan Africa, we have one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios. While other countries are recording about 18% to 20%, Ghana’s stands at about 13%,” he said.

He emphasised the need for improved tax compliance and stronger fiscal strategies to enhance domestic revenue generation.

Mr. Nartey explained that the GRA has adopted a more customer-friendly approach to tax administration aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

“We have moved away from aggressive tax collection methods. Instead, we are focusing on being more customer-friendly to make it easier and more encouraging for Ghanaians to meet their tax obligations voluntarily,” he stated.

However, he cautioned that individuals and businesses that fail to take advantage of the flexible approach will still face the necessary enforcement measures.

Mr. Nartey, who also serves as Head of Monitoring and Evaluation and an Adjunct Lecturer at the GRA Training School, stressed that the authority’s approach should not be interpreted as weakness but rather as an opportunity for taxpayers to comply willingly.

He disclosed that the GRA is targeting an increase in Ghana’s tax-to-GDP ratio to 18% within the next three years, a goal expected to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and support national development.

Touching on the transition from the VAT Flat Rate Scheme (VFRS) to the Standard VAT System, Mr. Nartey appealed to traders to exercise patience as GRA officials continue educating the public on the new system.

He further encouraged traders and consumers to support tax compliance by purchasing goods from VAT-registered businesses and requesting VAT invoices, a move he said would help curb tax evasion and promote transparency in pricing.

In addition, he advised importers to ensure that goods entering the country pass through approved ports or border posts to obtain proper customs declarations.

“When importing goods from neighbouring countries, use an approved port or border post to obtain a customs declaration,” he added.