GRA exceeds nine-month revenue target by GH₵1.4bn

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has surpassed its revenue mobilization target for the first nine months of 2026, collecting a total of GH₵167 billion. This performance represents a surplus of GH₵1.4 billion over the projected target of GH₵165.6 billion. Appearing before Parliament on October 14, 2026, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong reported that while the overall target was met, the performance across different tax categories was mixed, with direct taxes and the Energy Sector Recovery Levy showing particularly strong results.

Despite the surplus, the Authority faced significant hurdles in customs and Value Added Tax (VAT) collections. Customs revenue fell GH₵1.4 billion short of its goal, and VAT collections also lagged due to persistent compliance issues. To mitigate these shortfalls, the GRA is rolling out a national compliance program and advancing the automation of VAT systems. Mr. Sarpong also addressed the status of VAT on digital services, reminding stakeholders that the tax has been legally in effect since 2013 and remains a focus for future enforcement.

Significant progress was reported in the recovery of outstanding debts, particularly from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The GRA has successfully retrieved GH₵1.3 billion of the GH₵1.4 billion in unpaid VAT owed by the utility provider. The Commissioner-General explained that the ECG's failure to remit the full amount in the past was linked to inadequacies in its internal collection systems. However, ongoing collaboration between the two entities has improved the situation. Furthermore, the GRA recovered $154,976 in legacy debts owed by various foreign entities between 2022 and 2024.

To sustain this momentum through the final quarter of the year, the GRA intends to intensify its enforcement of tax laws regarding public institutions and digital service providers. By focusing on technological integration and addressing systemic leakages in the customs and VAT sectors, the Authority aims to ensure consistent revenue growth and meet its full-year fiscal objectives for the state.