The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) held a media soiree last
Friday, 9th January,2015 at Alisa Hotel.
The event which was attended by the editors of the various media houses in Ghana sought to maintain and further enhance the solidarity between the organization and the media.
The event was graced with the presence of the Commissioner General, Mr George Blankson.
In addressing the guest, Mr Blankson took the opportunity to inform participants about the 2014 target set for GRA – GH¢7.01Billion and the revenue collected – GH¢6.86 billion .
Mr Blankson stated that amidst the economic hardship the country faced in the year under review coupled with the energy crisis, foreign exchange fluctuations, fall in the prices of minerals, deferment of VAT on fee based financial services the outfit was able to collect less 3% shy the sett target.
He went on to state the 2015 target - GH¢21.98Billion and outlined a number of strategies being laid-out to ensure 100% attainment of target.
"Amongst other things, the experience drawn from the tax self
assessment system and the gradual understanding of the system and acceptance of
the system by the public will make over 100% revenue generation in 2015 a
reality". He therefore entreated the media to sensitize the public on TAX self
assessment.
In ensuring compliance in 2015, he stated that mystery shoppers will be sent to monitor and track shop owners who do not issue tax receipts.
He also mentioned that the strategic plan of the organization is near completion with implementation to begin by February 2015.
Rounding up his speech he stated that GRA has a client oriented system which is committed to ‘serving tax payers well’. With the introduction of TRIPS clients can file their tax returns more easily and conveniently.
Commissioner for the Customs Service, Mr. Wallace Akondor mounted the podium and expressed his gratitude about the commencement of the trainee center in Kpeto and the government’s approval of the employment of fresh limbs to patrol the boarders of the country.
It was all joy as the commissioner, top management and staff interacted with the media men and women after the speeches.
