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The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says it will use prosecution as a significant tool to ensure that the public honours its social contract.
This, according to the Authority will fight against non-compliance, tax evasion and fraud.
The GRA is, therefore, cautioning income earning persons, potential and existing recalcitrant taxpayers to amend their ways since its prosecution policy will deal with persons who violate the country’s tax laws.
The policy outlines the circumstances under which tax and customs offenders may be prosecuted and also standardizes processes and procedures for prosecution by the GRA.
The policy, according to the GRA will also see a more tax compliant society.
The policy is intended to be used by all GRA officers who are mandated to enforce the laws governing taxes and duties in Ghana.
Commissioner General of the GRA, Emmanuel Kofi Nti emphasized that his outfit will not use the new strategy to harass taxpayers.
“The prosecution will be used to complement administrative actions contained in the tax laws for non-compliance to ensure that there is a constant and regular flow of revenue to the national coffers”, Mr Kofi Nti who was speaking at the launch of the policy in Kumasi said.
Mr. Nti indicated that the prosecution of tax offenders under the policy will be done to the highest ethical and professional standards, transparency and accountability to achieve the most appropriate and effective results.
The DFID is providing technical support and capacity building of prosecutors and investigators as well as the provision of needed logistics in the implementation of the policy.
The courts, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), the police and other state agencies are part of stakeholders to play key roles in the effective implementation of the policy.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah urged the judiciary to expedite the hearing of such prosecution cases when they come before them.
Mr. Osei Mensah also called on the GRA to embark on an intensive educational campaign to create the needed awareness on Ghana’s tax laws.
The Director in charge of Multilateral Relations at the Finance Ministry, Michael Ayensu called on the GRA to intensify tax education to ensure compliance by the public.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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