The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and his Deputy, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, have filed their annual tax returns at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), in a move aimed at promoting voluntary compliance and strengthening public trust in the tax system.
Speaking at the filing exercise, Dr Forson said the decision to publicly file their returns was deliberate, to demonstrate that government officials are equally bound by the laws they enforce.
“We are not only asking others to pay their taxes, but we are also involved in the process of paying and filing our taxes,” he stated.
The finance minister described the gesture as a reflection of government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
He emphasised that tax compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a civic and moral responsibility for all citizens.
“Public officials, professionals, businesses, and individuals are all equal before the tax laws. Nobody is above the tax law,” he stressed.
According to him, leading by example is critical to building confidence in national institutions and encouraging more Ghanaians to fulfil their tax obligations.
Dr Forson highlighted the central role of tax revenue in funding essential public services, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
He noted that when citizens and businesses pay their fair share, the burden is distributed more equitably, accelerating national development.
“Paying taxes is an investment in our nation,” he said, urging Ghanaians to file their returns promptly and consistently.
The finance minister also underscored the importance of domestic revenue mobilisation, warning that Ghana cannot continue to rely heavily on borrowing to finance development.
“We cannot always use debt to develop. It is only through domestic resource mobilisation that our development can be sustained,” he stated.
He commended the Ghana Revenue Authority for ongoing reforms to modernise tax systems, improve service delivery, and make compliance easier and more transparent.
Dr Forson also called for intensified public education to help citizens better understand their tax obligations.
The GRA, he noted, is encouraging taxpayers to make use of digital platforms and support channels to simplify the filing process.
With April designated as Tax and Good Governance Month, Dr Forson urged all eligible taxpayers, including individuals, businesses, and public officials, to file their returns without delay.
