The Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) has underscored the need for structural reforms to address revenue leakages and improve tax collection.
It is proposing stringent measures to combat rent-seeking activities and enhance efficiency at Ghana’s ports.
This was contained in its 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review, which called for
The review is titled “A Critical Assessment of the 2024 Mid-Year Budget by ISSER.”
The Institute recommended harmonising the number of government agencies operating at the ports to reduce human interface and revenue losses.
It is their view that the recommendation, if implemented, would address rent-seeking activities by personnel involved in revenue collection.
It further recommends the rotation of personnel stationed at the ports every two years to prevent the entrenchment of corrupt practices.
“Harmonize the number of government agencies operating at the ports to reduce the human interface and revenue losses, thus reducing rent-seeking activities by personnel collecting revenues at the port. This can also be achieved by rotating personnel stationed at the ports every two years.”
It stressed the importance of transparency and accountability among Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) staff.
ISSER also proposed to the GRA to ensure that its staff complete asset declaration forms to ensure they are not engaging in or establishing firms involved in clearing services until five years after retirement.
“Additionally, GRA staff should complete asset declaration forms and not engage with or establish firms involved in clearing services until five years after retirement. The ports are major sources of revenue, and sealing leakages can significantly shore up the Tax GDP ratio,” it added.
ISSER said the ports are crucial revenue sources for Ghana, and addressing inefficiencies and corrupt practices at these entry points can substantially boost the country’s Tax GDP ratio.
If the recommendations are well implemented, it would improve fiscal health and create a more transparent and efficient port operation system.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
