By Alex, Ababio
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that nine institutions collectively owe the state GH¢47 million in unpaid taxes as of 2023. Among the defaulting bodies is the Graphic Communications Group Limited, one of Ghana’s biggest media organizations.
Auditor-General’s Report Exposes Tax Debts
Details from the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report show the following breakdown of arrears:
Graphic Communications Group Limited – GH¢3.4 million
GIHOC Distilleries – GH¢2.1 million
Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) – GH¢136,000
The report stressed that the debts have persisted despite repeated reminders from the GRA.
GRA Boss Vows Aggressive Recovery
Speaking before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the GRA Commissioner-General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, disclosed that the Authority had intensified recovery measures, particularly targeting state-owned enterprises that blamed their non-payment on financial constraints.
> “We are intensifying efforts to recover these arrears and ensure that all institutions meet their obligations to the state,”
— Mr. Sarpong assured during the PAC public hearing on Monday at Parliament House.
Finance Ministry, GRA, and Other Agencies Questioned
The session also saw the appearance of Deputy Finance Minister, Mr. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who led officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, the GRA, and other related agencies. They faced questions over several infractions flagged in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.
Commitment to Boost Tax Compliance
Mr. Sarpong emphasized the GRA’s determination to strengthen tax compliance across all economic sectors.
> “Madam Chair, at the GRA, we aim to address revenue mobilisation challenges and strengthen fiscal discipline in the country,”
— he stated.
VAT Liabilities Cross GH¢116 Million
In addition, the Commissioner for Domestic Tax Revenue, Mr. Edward Apenteng Gyamerah, revealed that unpaid Value Added Tax (VAT) liabilities had reached GH¢116 million, a situation he described as alarming for Ghana’s revenue mobilisation drive.
PAC Hearing Resumes in September
The PAC’s public sitting, which commenced on Monday, August 19, concluded on Monday, August 25. Chairperson Madam Abena Osei Asare announced that the Committee would reconvene on Monday, September 29, to further scrutinize the Auditor-General’s report on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the financial year ending December 31, 2024.