The newly appointed Governing Board of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially been inaugurated, with a call from the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to prioritise robust domestic revenue mobilisation to help the country navigate its current fiscal difficulties.

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Addressing members of the Board in Accra, Dr. Forson acknowledged the effort of President John Dramani Mahama in assembling a team he described as a “distinguished team of esteemed and accomplished individuals” to provide direction for the Authority.

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“This is a defining moment,” he said. “You assume this mantle at a time when the government faces significant fiscal constraints, with tight financing conditions, limited access to the capital market following the debt restructuring programme, and dwindling project and programme grants from development partners.”

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Highlighting government priorities for the medium term, Dr. Forson stated that the foremost fiscal objective for 2025 is to “optimise domestic revenue mobilisation.” He disclosed plans to grow revenue collection annually by at least 0.6 percentage points of GDP, while achieving a primary fiscal surplus of 1.5% by 2025. The goal, he added, is to also reduce the external debt service-to-revenue ratio from 28% in 2022 to 18% by 2028.

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The Finance Minister drew attention to the loss of major development assistance as a pressing reason to revamp the domestic revenue framework, citing “the recent withdrawal of USAID funding — amounting to over US$78 million in health and US$156 million in economic growth and education programmes.”

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To that end, he outlined a number of priorities for the new Board, urging them to support the modernisation of GRA’s operations, instil a strong culture of ethics, clamp down on smuggling, and enhance collaboration with the Revenue Policy Division of the Ministry.

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He underscored the need for public trust, noting, “The Ghanaian public must have unwavering confidence in GRA’s commitment to fairness and ethical conduct. Revenue lost through corruption translates to unbuilt schools, unpaved roads, and lives adversely affected by inadequate healthcare and poor sanitation.”

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Dr. Forson proposed the introduction of a rotation policy that would move GRA officers after two years in a post to help minimise collusion, diversify experience, and strengthen performance. He also disclosed plans to formalise a performance bonus agreement with the Commissioner-General, with the heads of Domestic Tax and Customs serving as witnesses.

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Reiterating the Ministry’s support, he concluded by reminding the Board of their national duty: “Let us remember that every tax cedi collected—and every integrity-driven decision made—brings us closer to building the prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant Ghana We All Want Together.”

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