Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to handle taxpayers with care to enhance state revenue.

He emphasized that the government’s revenue department should recognize taxpayers as key contributors to government operations and, therefore, should provide them with the necessary attention.

Michael Okyere Baafi firmly stated that by following this strategic approach, more revenue can be generated to support national development.

The Deputy Minister shared these remarks at the National Sales Leaders Conference in Accra on Wednesday, August 14.

“One of the board meetings that I attended at the Ghana Revenue Authority, I was sharing a view with the board members that it is high time the GRA as an institution moved away from enforcement to being part and parcel of the system."

“So that they can see the taxpayer as somebody who is important to government business, they have to pamper them and get their attention to get more. By doing so, we are sure we will be able to generate or get a lot of revenue for the state,” he added.

His remarks follow allegations of discrimination against members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) by certain officials within the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The trading community has also expressed concerns about the intimidation they experience from the GRA during tax collection.