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Ghana’s tax and customs modernisation programme has increased revenue mobilisation without the introduction of new taxes or increases in existing tax rates, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has said.
Sarpong attributed the improvement to administrative and technology-driven reforms designed to strengthen tax compliance, expand the tax base and improve the efficiency of revenue collection.
He disclosed this while addressing participants at the 8th High-Level Policy Dialogue and 23rd General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) in Accra.
The five-day meeting, hosted by the GRA from September 15 to 19, 2026, is being held under the theme, “Building Stronger Tax Administrations for Revenue Mobilisation and Sustainable Development.”
Integrated systems support wider tax compliance
Sarpong said the GRA had deployed an integrated tax administration system to consolidate taxpayer records that were previously maintained across separate platforms.
The authority has also introduced a modified taxation scheme intended to bring larger businesses operating within the informal sector into the tax net, while the automation of Value Added Tax (VAT) collection is currently underway.
According to the Commissioner-General, the reforms are focused on improving the administration of existing tax rules rather than creating additional obligations for taxpayers.
AI-powered customs reforms boost revenue
Significant changes have also been introduced in customs administration, particularly in valuation, classification, examination and post-clearance controls.
Sarpong identified the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for customs classification and valuation as a major component of the modernisation programme.
He said the AI-powered system became operational in April 2026 and had since been linked to a substantial rise in monthly customs revenue.
“Prior to going live, our customs revenue was averaging about three hundred and fifty million per month. From the month of April onwards, we are recording over a hundred million per month. So we have moved from $350 million USD to about $450 million USD per month,” he disclosed.
The increase, he said, demonstrated how technology and administrative improvements could strengthen public revenue without necessarily increasing the tax burden on individuals and businesses.
“This tells the story that when we modernise and we work at it, it works and we are able to raise the necessary revenue for the state,” Sarpong said.
He added that the experience highlighted the role of technology, professional administration and effective enforcement in improving compliance and revenue collection.
“So that is the power of administrative reform. No new taxes, no new higher rates, simply a fair and accurate application of the rules supported by modern systems and professional integrity is building the results,” he stated.
WATAF meeting focuses on domestic revenue mobilisation
Sarpong’s comments formed part of discussions at the WATAF High-Level Policy Dialogue, which is bringing together tax administrators, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders from across West Africa.
The discussions are focused on emerging challenges facing tax administrations and strategies for strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation to support sustainable development.
The 23rd General Assembly is also providing an opportunity for WATAF’s 15 member tax administrations to assess the forum’s progress, consider strategic priorities and deepen institutional cooperation across the region.
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