The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set its sights on January 1, 2026, as the target date for implementing the country’s new Value Added Tax (VAT) r
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set its sights on January 1, 2026, as the target date for implementing the country’s new Value Added Tax (VAT) reforms, pending Parliament’s final approval of the VAT Amendment Bill.
The proposed reforms, described by the Authority as a cornerstone of government’s broader economic modernization agenda, aim to simplify tax administration, strengthen compliance, and reduce the overall tax burden on businesses.
Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong, addressing participants at the PwC Post-Budget Forum in Accra, stressed that the GRA is “fully prepared” to roll out the changes at the beginning of next year.
He underscored the urgency for early parliamentary approval, noting that a pre-Christmas passage of the bill is critical for a smooth transition.
“The goal is to ensure that businesses and consumers experience a seamless shift into the new VAT system,” Mr. Sarpong said.
He added that the Authority has been actively coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders to align all technical and operational aspects ahead of the anticipated launch.
Preparations by the GRA have included upgrading digital platforms, enhancing taxpayer services, and engaging with businesses that will be directly impacted by the reforms.
A major feature of the reforms is the introduction of an improved digital invoicing system, which the Authority believes will increase transparency and streamline compliance monitoring.
Public education has also been highlighted as a priority. Sarpong indicated that the GRA will intensify sensitization campaigns immediately after parliamentary approval, ensuring that VAT-registered businesses understand their obligations under the new system, including revised invoicing standards and compliance timelines.
While the VAT reforms are part of a wider government effort to modernize the tax system, improve revenue mobilization, and support economic recovery, experts note that the timing presents challenges.
Parliament must complete deliberations on the bill before the Christmas recess, leaving a narrow window for lawmakers to ensure the legislative framework is in place for the January 1 rollout.
The proposed reforms are also being viewed against the backdrop of the broader fiscal strategy in 2025, which includes measures to expand digital tax collection, enhance compliance monitoring, and reduce informal sector leakages that have historically constrained revenue mobilization.
In assuring industry players, Sarpong emphasized that the GRA will maintain an open channel for dialogue throughout the rollout period and promptly respond to any operational concerns raised by taxpayers.
“With the right legislative support, technological infrastructure, and continuous stakeholder engagement, the GRA is confident that the new VAT system will modernize tax administration, benefit businesses, and contribute meaningfully to national economic recovery,” he concluded.
COMMENTS