Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson Demands Higher Revenue as NLA Returns GH"10 Million Dividend

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has received a GH₵10 million dividend payment from the National Lottery Authority (NLA), marking the first such contribution to the state after several years of fiscal inactivity. While acknowledging the payment as a positive milestone, the Finance Minister emphasized that the amount is insufficient relative to the state's expectations and the Authority's potential. Dr. Ato Forson signaled a push for greater accountability, stating that the Ghanaian taxpayer deserves a more substantial return from state-owned enterprises to support national development.

To facilitate increased revenue, the Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing historical agreements that have limited the NLA’s ability to contribute effectively to the public purse. NLA Board Chairman Frederick Amissah noted that this dividend payment is part of a broader reform agenda intended to improve the Authority's operational transparency and financial performance. These reforms are expected to pave the way for stronger returns in the coming years as the NLA aligns its operations with the current administration's fiscal targets.

In a related effort to bolster domestic revenue mobilization, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intensified its engagement with major private sector players. GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong recently hosted a high-level delegation from Aksa Energy, led by CFO Cevdet Yalcin and West Africa Director Murat Captug. The meeting, held at the GRA headquarters in Accra, focused on strengthening cooperation and ensuring strict adherence to Ghana’s tax laws. Aksa Energy, which operates critical power generation facilities in Tema and Kumasi, reaffirmed its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and transparent tax compliance.

These strategic moves by the Ministry of Finance and the GRA underscore a broader government initiative to maximize revenue from both state and private entities. Commissioner-General Sarpong highlighted that fostering a transparent tax environment through constructive dialogue is essential for supporting businesses in meeting their obligations. As the government seeks to expand its fiscal space, the combination of state-enterprise reforms and improved corporate tax compliance remains a central pillar of the nation's economic strategy under the leadership of President John Mahama.