The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has disclosed that Ghana is able to collect only about 40% of its Value Added Tax (VAT) potential, leaving a significant 60% uncollected due to non-compliance and inefficiencies in revenue mobilisation.
Mr Sarpong made the disclosure at the opening of the 2026 GRA Top Management Retreat in Sekondi-Takoradi. The event was held under the theme: “Transforming for Impact and Growth – Focusing on People, Performance and Compliance.”
He explained that the large VAT gap remains a major challenge for the authority, but stressed that the GRA is determined to address the shortfall through improved compliance measures and enhanced revenue collection strategies.
“Today, we have a VAT gap of about 60%. That means when you look at the potential to collect VAT, we are only collecting about 40%,” he stated.
The GRA Commissioner-General further revealed that the authority has been tasked with raising GH¢230 billion in revenue for 2026, describing the target as ambitious but achievable.
“In 2026, GRA has been tasked with mobilising GH¢230 billion to support revenue mobilisation and the government agenda. This is an ambitious target, but it is also a necessary one for financing national development, strengthening fiscal sustainability and supporting the government’s broader economic agenda,” he added.
Mr Sarpong expressed confidence that with renewed focus on compliance and performance, the GRA can significantly improve VAT collection and contribute more effectively to national development.
