Tax analyst speaks on GRA's foreign income enforcement drive

As the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) intensifies efforts to enforce tax compliance on foreign income, tax analyst Francis Timore Boi has urged an education-driven approach to prevent unintended consequences.

Responding to the GRA’s recent initiative targeting Ghanaians with overseas assets and income, Timore Boi emphasised the importance of correctly applying international tax treaties to avoid double taxation.

“We must apply the tax treaties properly to prevent duplication of tax payments. Where needed, education should be the first step,” he stated.

He further cautioned that accuracy is critical, stressing that not every flagged account necessarily belongs to a taxable Ghanaian resident, and errors could undermine public trust.

GRA eyes overseas earnings in compliance push

Timore Boi also noted that enforcement should not be perceived as punitive, especially since many citizens may be unaware of their obligation to declare foreign income.

Last week, the GRA ramped up efforts to enforce compliance among residents earning income abroad. The Authority explained that the move forms part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation.

Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, disclosed that over 1,000 notices have already been issued to Ghanaians with overseas assets and income streams, instructing them to reconcile taxes paid abroad with their obligations at home.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual International Tax Conference, Sarpong explained that the initiative is supported by international data-sharing mechanisms under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework, which gives Ghana access to financial details from global partners.

He added that the objective is to ensure Ghana secures its rightful share of tax revenue while closing longstanding compliance gaps that have constrained fiscal performance.

SA/MA

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