GUTA calls for friendly approach to VAT compliance exercise

President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Clement Boateng, has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to make its VAT compliance exercise more friendly and engaging for businesses.

He said although traders and businesses must comply with their tax obligations, the process should not create unnecessary tension between GRA officials and the business community.

Boateng made the call at the launch of the VAT Compliance Campaign on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, noting that the GRA aims to undertake nationwide education, sensitisation and enforcement activities to improve VAT compliance.

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He said GRA officers deployed to markets and business centres must be careful in how they engage traders and other businesses during the exercise.

“What I will entreat GRA to do is to attach a human face when the time comes for them to go to the market for the exercise. Their officers who will be deployed to the markets should be friendly and accommodative in carrying out their duty,” he said.

Boateng said the campaign would involve educating the public on why businesses that qualify to charge VAT must fulfil their tax obligations.

He also called on the GRA to pay attention to consumers as part of its campaign, particularly by explaining the benefits of asking for VAT invoices when they make purchases.

“I will also urge GRA to include in their education the incentive that will be given to consumers who demand VAT invoices after their purchase,” Boateng stated.

He further assured the GRA of the association’s support, saying traders would be encouraged to cooperate with officials during the nationwide exercise.

“As we are all aware, every country needs tax to embark on its developmental agenda and our dear country Ghana is no exception,” he highlighted.

“GUTA, on our part, will also encourage our members to be cooperative so that together we will have a smooth programme and improve on our tax-to-GDP ratio for the betterment of Mother Ghana,” he stressed.

Boateng said the cooperation of businesses and consumers would be important to the success of the campaign, particularly as the government seeks to improve domestic revenue mobilisation.

He acknowledged the role of taxation in supporting national development and said businesses also have a responsibility to contribute through the payment of taxes.

ANAS/MA

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