Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has charged the newly constituted Governing Board of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to take firm steps in curbing tax evasion, smuggling, and corruption within the Authority.

Inaugurating the board in Accra on April 30, 2025, Dr. Forson underscored the urgent need for the GRA to boost domestic revenue mobilisation as the country faces a challenging fiscal landscape.

He praised President John Dramani Mahama for assembling what he described as a “distinguished team” to steer the Authority through this critical economic period.

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

Dr. Forson stated that the government’s key fiscal objective for 2025 and the years ahead is to significantly raise domestic revenue.

He said the target is to increase revenue by at least 0.6 percentage points of GDP annually, with a goal of achieving a primary fiscal surplus of 1.5 percent of GDP by the end of 2025.

He also noted that government is working to reduce Ghana’s external debt service-to-revenue ratio from 28 percent in 2022 to 18 percent by 2028.

Referencing the recent decision by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to withdraw over US$234 million in funding for health, education, and economic growth programmes, Dr. Forson stressed the need for self-reliance.

“This is a stark reminder of why we must secure our own financing to support national development,” he said.

He encouraged the GRA’s board and leadership to modernise operations, promote ethical conduct, and intensify efforts to clamp down on tax-related crimes.

“Revenue lost through corruption translates to unbuilt schools, unpaved roads, and lives adversely affected by inadequate healthcare and poor sanitation.”

He disclosed that a new mandatory staff rotation policy will be implemented every two years to prevent collusion and enhance skills. Additionally, he revealed plans to sign a performance bonus Memorandum of Understanding with the Commissioner-General, with oversight from the heads of the Domestic Tax and Customs divisions.

Dr. Forson assured the board of the Finance Ministry’s full support as they carry out their responsibilities.

“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,” he said.