Finance Ministry launches taxpayers portal

The Ministry of Finance in collaboration with Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNET) has launched the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Taxpayer Portal, to offer best services through the e-government platform in tax collection system.

The platform spearheaded by the GRA is geared towards modernisation and automation of business processes to broaden the tax base by gathering the needed data to ensure transparency and efficiency as well as increase compliance.

The portal would re-engineer business processes; deploy state-of-the-art application software and hardware and other solutions for the GRA and the Registrar General’s Department.

Mr Seth Terkper, Minister of Finance said the platform is timely because it would eliminate impediments associated with tax paying system as well ensure strict compliance to tax in the country.

Mr Terkpre said there is the need for the country to mobilise resources to develop the country and as such the platform would ensure that all new organisations and tax payers register to improve the efficiency of revenue collection.

“The solutions to the country’s economic challenges rest on GRA, stressing that it behooves the Authority to ensure the sustainability of the project to address the problems associated with tax collection” he added.

He said the portal would improve quality of tax payers records, facilitate improved levels of services, act as basis for access to variety of online government services including online tax returns, payments and track budget allocation.

Mr Terkper urged the Authority to embark on a sensitisation drive to disseminate the message across the country to increase revenue collection and ensure its effective utilisation.

Mr.George Blankson, Commissioner-General for the GRA said the platform is to ensure that taxpayers enjoy the best and efficient services to enable them pay their taxes in the comfort of their homes.

He said his outfit would provide support services in case of any difficulties encountered.

Mr Blackson said with the platform, GRA customers would receive a new Registration Number, Certification of Incorporation/Registration and Certificate to Commence Business if applicable.

He urged tax payers to make maximum use of the new portal to carry out registration and other services offered and assure the public that staff of the GRA would be available at all times to help them navigate through the portal.

He said all enquiries would be attended to promptly.

Dr Nortey Omaboe, Executive Chairman of GCNET said his outfit provides ICT-based solutions that foster trade development and facilitation, and ensure effective mobilisation of trade-related revenue and improve revenue collection.