Revenue generation must rise to meet challenge — Ato Forson to GRA staff

The Minister of Finance and overseeing official for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ato Forson, has issued a stern call to staff of the agency to intensify efforts at revenue generation, stressing that Ghana’s fiscal needs require stronger mobilisation efforts.

According to the Minister, expanding the tax base, improving compliance, and modernising revenue-collection systems are essential if Ghana is to meet its budgetary commitments, fund development projects and reduce borrowing pressures. He urged GRA workers to uphold professionalism, resist corruption, and ensure that revenue generation aligns with transparency and fairness.

Ato Forson noted that as global economic headwinds and domestic financial challenges persist, the government cannot afford shortfalls in expected revenue. He described tax mobilisation as not just a technical duty but a patriotic responsibility, underlining that efficient revenue collection benefits all citizens, funding health, education, infrastructure and social services.

He also encouraged collaboration between GRA and other government agencies, law enforcement, and civil society to enhance compliance, reduce tax avoidance, and ensure that all eligible entities contribute their fair share. This, he suggested, will help maintain fiscal stability and support development priorities.

Heralded by economic analysts as a realistic call, the message reflects increasing emphasis on domestic revenue mobilisation over external borrowing. As Ghana seeks to reduce debt burden and stabilise its economy, boosting tax-to-GDP ratio is seen as a key strategy.

Whether the call leads to concrete results will depend on GRA capacity, public cooperation, and consistent enforcement of tax laws, while balancing fairness, transparency and respect for taxpayer rights.