The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the implementation of the electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) system this year, with over 5,000 registered VAT-paying entities already engaged and prepared to go live.

This forms part of a broader initiative to overhaul the existing VAT collection framework, aimed at capturing all registered VAT taxpayers and streamlining the system through a more robust, technology-driven platform.

Speaking during a virtual stakeholder engagement, Acting Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, stated that the new E-VAT system will simplify VAT accounting and ensure better compliance and transparency.

“The electronic VAT exercise is ongoing, but we are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the entire structure,” he said. “The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is giving this exercise serious attention. We anticipate completing the process soon and presenting it to Parliament for approval.”

Sarpong emphasized the central role of modern technology in the updated system, which is designed to enhance accountability and improve efficiency in tax administration. “We’ve already onboarded a significant number of taxpayers and will continue with the process following the Minister’s directive to ensure fairness in the tax system,” he added.

Since its initial rollout in 2022, more than 3,000 businesses have already been successfully integrated into the E-VAT platform. GRA says it is currently conducting a compliance review to assess performance and identify gaps as the project approaches its final stages.

By the end of 2024, over 5,000 taxpayers had been engaged nationwide through consultations and sensitization programmes, making them ready for full onboarding. While the process continues, the GRA acknowledges some challenges with taxpayer systems and technical complexities, which are being addressed.

The E-VAT system is backed by the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915), which empowers the Commissioner-General to implement equitable and efficient tax collection mechanisms.

The initiative is expected to formalise more informal-sector taxpayers, improve domestic revenue mobilisation, increase transparency, and enhance the effectiveness of tax audits.

With the E-VAT system gaining momentum, the GRA is optimistic that it will play a crucial role in building a fairer, more efficient tax environment in Ghana.

The Minister’s team also facilitated the immediate transportation of injured passengers to a nearby hospital for medical attention.