The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has inaugurated a National VAT Compliance and Enforcement Team as part of efforts to promote voluntary compliance, strengthen enforcement and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation.

The Authority disclosed that Ghana’s VAT gap currently stands at about 60 percent, a situation it says significantly hampers efforts to achieve full tax compliance and maximise revenue collection.

The move follows President John Dramani Mahama’s assent to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Amendment Bill, 2025, in April last year, with full implementation expected to begin on January 1, 2026. The amendment is aimed at providing relief to households and commuters while maintaining a fair and balanced tax regime.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, said the Authority has begun a comprehensive reform of the VAT system to improve compliance nationwide.

He noted that the GRA is targeting more than 90 percent tax compliance in 2026 in line with the President’s Reset Agenda, stressing that the era of lax enforcement has ended.

“Whatever challenges existed in the past regarding VAT registration, charging or remittance should remain in the past. Going forward, GRA’s eyes are open, and we are coming with the full strength of our service. Those who cooperate with us will be engaged professionally,” he said.

Mr Sarpong also announced plans to roll out a taxpayer reward scheme alongside stricter compliance measures to encourage voluntary adherence to VAT obligations.

He added that the new enforcement drive will be supported by enhanced automation to ensure accurate assessment and payment of VAT by all eligible taxpayers.

“As we strengthen compliance mechanisms, we are also introducing automation that will ultimately ensure everyone pays the VAT they are legitimately required to pay,” he stated.

The Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) of the GRA, Dr Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, assured that the Authority will strictly enforce the VAT law in fulfilment of its mandate.

According to him, the new VAT Act underscores government’s resolve to modernise the tax system, broaden the tax base, promote fairness, encourage voluntary compliance and deter tax evasion across all sectors of the economy.