Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched the Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), a digital platform that allows taxpayers to generate their tax clearance certificates online, file their tax returns, and check their tax compliance status. The platform was launched in Accra with the aim of improving efficiency and revenue mobilization.
The Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate app is an integrated digital platform that allows taxpayers to perform these key functions in one place. The platform has three options for access, which includes a QR code, the platform’s online portal, or through a USSD short code *880#, using a smart or a ‘yam’ phone.
In his address at the launch, Vice President Bawumia commended the GRA for leveraging the government’s digital transformation agenda to introduce life-changing solutions such as the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) at the ports and the Electronic VAT platform (E VAT).
He further highlighted that the introduction of the cashless mode of payment of taxes has enabled taxpayers to pay taxes conveniently through either mobile money, bank transfer, or other cashless means. Additionally, the introduction of the Ghana.gov platform has enabled the public to pay for government services digitally and conveniently.
The Vice President expressed his delight in the digital remedies that have been introduced by the government, which he noted have revolutionized the manual ways of providing services in the public service.
He noted that the Ghana Card has been introduced as a unique identifier of individuals in Ghana. The Ghana Card serves to identify individuals for tax purposes, and it is also a taxpayer identification number (TIN). Thus, the Ghana Card is a reference for registration, filing of returns, making payments of tax due, and accessing other services provided by GRA.
Dr. Bawumia stated that taxes are the lifeblood of any country and are used to build nations. Thus, he urged all Ghanaians and everyone earning an income in Ghana to faithfully submit their tax returns and declare any taxes due. He stressed that when taxes are faithfully declared and paid, it positions the citizens to hold the government accountable for what the tax money is being used for. He, therefore, encouraged citizens to join hands to develop the country.
In his closing remarks, the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, stated that the introduction of the Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate will improve efficiency and revenue mobilization in Ghana.
The launch was attended by the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, GRA staff, and other dignitaries. The Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate is a significant step towards digitalizing Ghana’s tax system and streamlining the tax payment process for taxpayers.
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