The new Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to diligently pursue its financial targets for the fiscal year 2024.
“I expect that we work together through a structured framework to exceed your performance last year, the GH¢170 billion target which we have put in the 2024 budget. I believe you can do more than that. I believe you can exceed the GH¢170 billion target for 2024 because you have done it, and you have demonstrated capability that you can do this,” he reiterated.
Dr. Adam stated these during his visit to the GRA headquarters in Accra on Monday, reaffirming his commitment to boosting domestic revenue.
Stressing on the need for a balanced approach, the Finance Minister emphasised the importance of a strategic roadmap that combines user-friendly methods with unwavering commitment to fulfilling the GRA’s mandate.
“But quite sincere, we all need to urgently agree on a roadmap. It appears some of the things we do are ad-hoc and not coordinated, and so when you have multiple complex issues such as taxes being implemented without coordination or a roadmap, then it becomes a problem,” he urged.
Dr. Adam highlighted the significance of teamwork in ensuring Ghana’s adherence to its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, asserting that collaboration is essential for the country’s financial stability.
“I will soon visit ports to weed out corrupt activities”
Finance Minister Dr. Amin Adam has hinted of visiting some ports across the country soon to weed out corrupt activities.
This followed several reports of corrupt activities of some ports officials.
Dr Amin Adam indicated that he has personally confirmed some of these activities and willing to work to reduce the menace.
“Commissioner-General, as you may be aware, the perception of corruption in the ports or trade and entry remains very high. I have seen reports that tend to confirm some of these perceptions. And I know you all have received similar reports. We continue to lose revenue through the actions and inactions of clearing agents, shipping companies, and some of our own customs officials.
“I personally intend to visit the ports, together with some of your officers to engage and assess for myself some of the issues at first-hand,” he said.
He bemoaned the rate at which this is affecting revenue generation in Ghana, hence stalling critical projects.
Dr. Adam entreated the Ghana Revenue Authority to work collectively with other key sectors of the economy to rake in more revenue
“We need you to continue to instill discipline and minimise revenue leakages through misdescriptions, misclassification, over and under-invoicing. I assure you and your team of my strong support.
“We are here to serve a country and that is our utmost priority. If it has to do with increasing revenue, do not hesitate to reach out to me or my team at the Ministry,” he added.
