Adopt Client-Centered Approach in Tax Collection
By: Solomon Nartey Solomon
Senior Tax and Regulatory Manager at Deloitte, Joachim Owusu Afriyie, has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to adopt a more client-centered approach in its bid to tax online businesses, stressing the need for a more service-oriented strategy to enhance voluntary compliance and increase state revenue.
Mr. Afriyie made the remarks during an interview on Zed FM’s Business Breakfast show, where he shared insights on the future of digital taxation in Ghana. He noted that as the GRA intensifies its efforts to widen the national tax net by targeting the rapidly growing digital economy, it is essential that the authority focuses on educating and assisting online businesses rather than relying solely on enforcement and penalties.
Ghana, like many countries, is increasingly looking to the digital space to bolster its revenue base amid evolving economic trends. The taxation of e-commerce, online services, and digital platforms has become a major policy focus. However, concerns persist about the level of preparedness among online business owners and the broader Ghanaian public for the implementation of such tax policies.
“The GRA must prioritize communication and education. Many online entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized operators, are willing to pay taxes, but they lack clarity on how the system works, If the process is presented as supportive rather than punitive, businesses will be more inclined to comply,” he stated.
According to Mr. Afriyie, without a clear understanding of the tax regime and the benefits of compliance, many businesses may resist or evade their obligations. He urged the GRA to develop user-friendly digital tools, offer customer service support, and conduct targeted outreach to help bridge the knowledge gap.
“A service-oriented approach not only promotes compliance but also builds trust in the tax system. The goal should be to create a partnership between tax authorities and taxpayers,” he added.
His comments come at a time when the GRA is stepping up efforts to identify and register online businesses, including those operating on social media platforms and e-commerce sites. The move is part of a broader strategy to improve domestic revenue mobilization as the government seeks to reduce its reliance on external financing. As the conversation around digital taxation gains momentum, stakeholders are urging the GRA to strike a balance between enforcement and support to ensure that tax policies do not stifle innovation or discourage the growth of the digital economy.
