AGI backs Dr. Bawumia’s call for innovation in GRA operations
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has thrown its weight behind Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent call for innovation within the operations of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, highlighted the necessity for digitized systems to streamline the GRA’s operations during an interview.
This endorsement aligns with a plea by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) for intervention against perceived harassment from the GRA due to manual revenue mobilization methods.
On March 22, 2024, the GNCCI issued a plea to stakeholders, including Dr. Bawumia, urging action against what they perceive as relentless harassment from the GRA.
The GNCCI advocated for digitalization to streamline processes and curb excessive taxation of enterprises.
Dr. Bawumia echoed these concerns during a courtesy visit to the GNCCI, expressing apprehensions regarding alleged business harassment by the Authority under the guise of tax collection.
However, the Ghana Revenue Authority Workers’ Union criticized Dr. Bawumia’s remarks on GRA’s revenue mobilization methods, citing assigned annual targets by the government through the Ministry of Finance.
In response, the office of the presidential candidate clarified that Dr. Bawumia intended to encourage innovative revenue mobilization approaches rather than criticize the GRA directly.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, spokesperson for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, emphasized Dr. Bawumia’s advocacy for creativity in public institutions’ activities.
Dr. Bawumia’s digitalization agenda has already shown significant results across various sectors, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
Notably, it has modernized operations within the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, improved data management in hospitals, streamlined passport acquisition processes, and formalized identification procedures nationwide.
The overarching objective of Dr. Bawumia’s strategy is to combat indiscipline, addressing issues such as corruption, lawlessness, tax evasion, and identity fraud, ultimately promoting transparency and accountability in markets and fostering the formalization of the entire economy.
