Anthony Sarpong pledges higher revenue collection after positive IMF review

The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has pledged to intensify domestic revenue mobilisation efforts and advance comprehensive tax administration reforms. This commitment follows the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) commendation of Ghana’s robust revenue performance during the 2026 fiscal year. The IMF, having completed its first review under the country’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), highlighted the significant progress made in strengthening the nation’s fiscal stability and economic recovery.

According to the IMF’s assessment, the GRA has achieved notable success through the implementation of critical legislative and technological milestones. Key among these are the completion of updated customs and excise legislation and the continued rollout of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS). These initiatives are central to the government's strategy to digitise tax processes, reduce manual interventions, and enhance the overall efficiency of revenue collection across various sectors of the economy.

In a statement reflecting on the review, Mr. Sarpong expressed his gratitude to both GRA staff and Ghanaian taxpayers for their roles in achieving these results. He emphasised that the Authority’s focus moving forward will be on improving taxpayer services and modernising customs operations to ensure a more seamless experience for businesses. By leveraging digital solutions and enhancing the technical leadership skills of the GRA workforce, the Commissioner-General aims to build a more transparent and accountable tax environment that supports national development goals.

This strategic focus on compliance and administrative efficiency comes at a critical time as the Finance Minister prepares to present the 2027 national budget. Economic analysts suggest that the government’s approach will likely prioritise broadening the tax base and strengthening enforcement mechanisms rather than introducing new taxes. As Ghana continues its recovery path, the GRA's ability to maintain this revenue momentum remains vital for meeting the targets set under the IMF-supported programme.