GRA staff counters Dr. Bawumia’s comments on tax collection harassment

The Ghana Revenue Authority Workers Union (GRAWU) and the Customs Staff Association (CSA) have reacted to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s comments on tax collection harassment.

According to them, the comments made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will lead to the disruption of tax collection, as they will hinder the efforts made by the hardworking staff.

In a press release dated March 22, 2024, GRAWU and CSA stated that the taxes that are being operated align with the laws of Parliament and not their own.

“We, the workers of GRA, find this statement unfortunate and consider it an attack on the efforts of the hardworking staff of the Authority, which, if not discontinued, would incur the displeasure of workers, disrupt revenue collection efforts, and breed industrial disharmony.”

“Additionally, we wish to stress that the GRA administers tax in accordance with laws enacted by the Parliament of Ghana and not based on the whims and caprices of the workers.”

The statement also highlighted the successful completion of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) annual target in 2020 amidst the COVID pandemic issues and the tax revenue growth in 2023, which contributed significantly to the IMF bailout.

They have therefore urged Dr. Bawumia not to put the lives of their members at risk if he does not commend them for their efforts, while calling on President Nana Akufo-Addo, the GRA, and CSOs to advise politicians against undermining the work of the GRA with their comments. 

“We wish to place on record that the unprecedented growth in tax revenue collected in 2023, which yielded in excess of GHC 113 billion, is a major factor that has kept Ghana in the IMF bailout program. It is also an undeniable fact that the GRA has, since the 2020 fiscal year, met and, in some cases, exceeded the annual revenue targets despite the challenges of COVID-19.

“Indeed, the least we expect from the Vice President, if he would not appreciate the efforts of the Authority in raising tax revenue, is not to put the lives of our hardworking staff at risk with such unfortunate comments.”

The groups reiterated the need for authorities to design policies that will reshape the Ghana Revenue Authority into a world-class organisation while urging its members to stay calm and continue to perform their duties professionally.