The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, says Ghana’s ongoing tax and customs modernisation reforms are improving domestic revenue mobilisation without the introduction of new taxes or increases in existing tax rates.

According to Mr. Sarpong, the GRA has adopted a number of administrative and technological reforms aimed at improving tax compliance, hence broadening the tax base and strengthening the efficiency of revenue collection.

He disclosed this when he addressed participants at the 8th High-Level Policy Dialogue and 23rd General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) in Accra.

The five-day WATAF gathering, being hosted by the GRA from September 15 to 19, 2026, is held under the theme “Building Stronger Tax Administrations for Revenue Mobilisation and Sustainable Development”.

Mr. Sarpong said the GRA has deployed an integrated tax administration system to consolidate taxpayer records which were previously held across different systems.

He further said the authority has also introduced a modified taxation scheme aimed at bringing large businesses operating within the informal sector into the tax net while automation of Value Added Tax (VAT) collection is underway.

On customs administration, the GRA Commissioner-General said significant reforms have been undertaken in areas including valuation, classification, examination and post-clearance controls.

He identified the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in customs classification and valuation as one of the major developments in the authority’s modernisation drive.

According to him, the AI-powered system became operational in April 2026 and has since been associated with a significant increase in monthly customs revenue.

“Prior to going live, our customs revenue was average monthly about three hundred and fifty million per month. From the month of April onwards, we are recording over hundred million per month. So we have moved from $350 million USD to about $450 million USD per month,” he disclosed.

Mr. Sarpong also stated that the development demonstrated the potential of administrative reforms and technology to improve revenue mobilisation without necessarily placing additional tax burdens on taxpayers.

“This tells the story that when we modernise and we work at it, it works and we are able to raise the necessary revenue for the state,” he said.

He added that the experience showed how technology, professional administration and effective enforcement could improve compliance and revenue collection.

“So that is the power of administrative reform. No new taxes, no new higher rates, simply a fair and accurate application of the rules supported by modern systems and professional integrity is building the results,” Mr. Sarpong stated.

The Commissioner-General’s remarks formed part of discussions at the WATAF High-Level Policy Dialogue which is bringing together tax administrators, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders from across West Africa to discuss emerging challenges and strategies for strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation. 

The 23rd General Assembly is also providing an opportunity for WATAF’s 15-member tax administrations to review the forum’s progress, consider strategic priorities and strengthen institutional cooperation.