Chief Imam urges Muslims to pay tax to develop the country

By Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra

The National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu has urged Muslims to pay their taxes to raise revenue for the country’s developmental projects.   

He assured government of his commitment to encouraging Imams in the country to use their pulpit to educate the Muslim communities on the need for tax compliance.  

The Chief Iman made the call when the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) paid a courtesy call on him  in Accra.

The visit also formed part of GRA’s ongoing efforts to engage various religious and community leaders in promoting tax awareness and compliance.

Commissioner, Customs Division of the GRA, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo emphasized the importance of tax compliance as part of GRA’s ongoing Tax Education Month.

He stated that the primary purpose of their  visit was to enlist the Chief Imam’s influence to convey the significance of tax compliance as a religious duty.

He noted that the payment of taxes is not easy, but is optimistic that the influence of the Chief Imam would encourage the faithful Muslims to acknowledge the need for tax compliance.   

Furthermore, he  indicated that faithful adherence to religious teachings can motivate compliance.

“Paying tax is difficult, but those who are religiously faithful see it as a religious duty,” he said.

He stated that in engaging religious leaders, the GRA aims to leverage their moral authority to encourage tax payment.

He added that the Chief Imam’s endorsement is seen as pivotal, given his leadership and influence within the Muslim community.

The Commissioner for Support Services Division at GRA, Pearl Nana Ama Darko, expressed her honor and humility during  the visit to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu.

She reiterated that the visit is to reinforce the importance of tax compliance within both the Muslim and Christian communities in Ghana.

She stressed the crucial role of tax payments in national development.

“We need to pay our taxes so that we can develop our beloved Ghana. This is the only country we have, all of us here; this is our country. And it is up to each one of us, to join hands—Christians, Muslims, to effectively develop this nation, this beloved nation.” She said.

She added that the Chief Imam’s wisdom, which she acknowledged is recognized globally.

The spokesperson for the National Cheif Iman Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu also underscored the critical role tax collection plays in national development, economic stability, and the financial health of Ghana

Sheikh Shaibu stressed the need to enhance domestic revenue to improve the economy and enable the government to provide essential facilities for the nation’s welfare.

He pointed out that it is a national duty for all eligible citizens to fulfill their tax obligations.

He called on the Muslim community and beyond to uphold their tax responsibilities, emphasizing that it is crucial for the country’s development.

He noted that it is unjust to blame the government for shortcomings when citizens are not meeting their tax duties.

 He expressed his gratitude to the GRA for visiting, noting the respect and reverence shown to the Chief Imam.

During the visit, the GRA presented an undisclosed amount of money and donated assorted items, including bags of rice, cartons of frytol oil, packs of bottled water, cartons of tomato sauce, and packs of soft drinks.