In a bold move to broaden Ghana’s tax base, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, has staunchly defended the decision to levy the owners of ride-hailing vehicles.
The imposition of the Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) on these operators, he asserts, is a pivotal step in ensuring that businesses operating within the burgeoning E-Commerce domain are not exempted from contributing to the nation’s revenue pool.
Speaking in a yet-to-be-aired interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr. Owusu-Amoah emphasized the necessity of this move.
Deepening and widening the tax net is imperative. If sectors remain untapped, it’s our duty to integrate them,” he remarked.
The GRA’s recent announcement underscores this commitment. Effective January 1, 2024, ride-hailing vehicle owners will be subjected to the VIT, as stipulated under Section 22 of Regulations 2016, LI 2244.
Consequently, ride-hailing giants like Uber, Yango, and Bolt are mandated to recalibrate their digital infrastructures to accommodate these new fiscal requirements.
Defending the GRA’s evolving taxation methodologies, Dr. Owusu-Amoah highlighted the imperative of innovation in revenue collection. “The landscape is evolving, with businesses gravitating towards E-Commerce. Our approach must mirror this evolution,” he articulated.
The commissioner further acknowledged concerns regarding the perceived gaps inthe tax net, revealing that such feedback spurred the GRA’s proactive measures, not just limited to the ride-hailing sector but also encompassing the broader informal economy, notably artisans.
The traction gained from the E-Commerce sector is palpable. Dr. Owusu-Amoah divulged a significant uptick in revenue, noting, “Since the inception of our E-Commerce Registration, we’ve garnered close to a billion cedis.” This achievement underscores the potential of the digital marketplace as a formidable revenue stream.
Looking ahead, the GRA’s fiscal ambitions are robust. The 2024 Budget earmarks an ambitious tax revenue mobilization target of ₵136 billion.
Undeterred by the magnitude of this objective, Dr. Owusu-Amoah exuded confidence, asserting, “Our groundwork is solid. The coming months will witness enhanced revenue mobilization.” Additionally, he shed light on collaborative initiatives with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emphasizing concerted efforts towards aggressive domestic revenue mobilization.
Ghana’s tax landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift, with the GRA spearheading innovative strategies to bolster revenue collection and ensure fiscal sustainability.