As part of his commitment to advancing revenue mobilization and addressing corruption within the country, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, recently undertook a working visit to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This visit, which took place on Monday, February 19, marked Dr. Amin Adam's first major working engagement since assuming the role of Finance Minister in the recent ministerial reshuffle by President Akufo-Addo on February 14.
During his visit, Dr. Amin Adam emphasized the imperative of curbing corruption perception at the ports, highlighting the significant revenue losses incurred due to the activities of clearing agents, shipping companies, and certain customs officials. He underscored the need to minimize revenue leakages through measures such as reducing human contact in revenue processes and introducing a faceless assessment system. Additionally, he expressed his intention to personally visit the ports alongside GRA officers to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and issues.
Addressing the management of GRA, Dr. Amin Adam reiterated the crucial role of revenue mobilization in the government's agenda, particularly in the context of ongoing fiscal consolidation reforms. He commended GRA for surpassing the revenue target for 2023 while acknowledging the untapped potential for further optimization. The Minister stressed the necessity of exceeding revenue targets to meet critical infrastructure needs and fulfill commitments under the IMF-Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme.
Furthermore, Dr. Amin Adam emphasized the importance of operational efficiency and leveraging digital solutions as part of the government's Digitalization Agenda. He urged GRA to prioritize data optimization from various sources to inform revenue collection decisions and combat tax avoidance and evasion.
In line with advancing revenue mobilization efforts, Dr. Amin Adam urged for the rollout and expansion of the E-VAT mechanism, emphasizing the need to minimize delays in implementation. He also underscored the significance of addressing corruption perception in trade and entry points, affirming his commitment to actively engage with GRA to instill discipline and mitigate revenue losses resulting from malpractices.
In summary, Dr. Amin Adam reassured GRA of his unwavering support and commitment to serving the country's interests. He encouraged collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Finance and GRA, emphasizing a renewed vigor in working towards enhancing revenue mobilization for the betterment of Ghana.
The Minister's visit to GRA serves as a testament to the government's dedication to combatting corruption, optimizing revenue generation, and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth. As Ghana continues on its path of development, such initiatives are pivotal in ensuring financial integrity and bolstering the nation's fiscal resilience.
-source 3news | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
