The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has introduced a Modified Taxation Scheme (MTS) aimed at simplifying tax registration and payment processes, thereby enhancing efficiency, speed, and transparency for informal sector businesses.
Concurrently, the GRA launched the Sustained Tax Education Programme, which seeks to foster a deeper understanding of tax compliance nationwide and integrate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the tax net.
Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, emphasized at the launch in Accra that the MTS underscores the Authority’s dedication to modernizing tax administration through technological advancements and simplicity.
”The Modified Taxation Scheme offers a fair, predictable, and convenient way for micro, small, and medium businesses to comply with tax laws. It reduces bureaucracy, limits discretion, and builds trust between taxpayers and the GRA.”
He explained that individuals and businesses with annual incomes not exceeding GH¢500,000 will pay a flat rate of 30 percent.
According to him, the MTS simplifies every step of compliance — from registration to payment — making it easier for traders, artisans, and small shop owners to fulfil their civic responsibilities without the usual bureaucratic hurdles.
“This will bring convenience to small enterprises and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation for national development,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sustained Tax Education Programme is aimed at improving voluntary tax compliance.
The GRA has designed a three-year national plan through which it would execute this agenda by equipping citizens with practical knowledge on how to register, file, and pay taxes correctly and on time.
It will target markets, schools, universities, professional associations, and digital platforms.
“When citizens understand the value of paying taxes, compliance becomes a natural choice — not an obligation enforced by law,” Mr. Sarpong added.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, was optimistic that through this initiative Ghanaians will be well informed and comply with their tax obligations.
“Compliance has been low over the years, but with the MTS and sustained tax education, we are changing that narrative,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said it was important to improve domestic revenue in order for Ghana to achieve its medium-term fiscal goals.
He said tax compliance is a shared national responsibility involving government, private businesses, traditional authorities, and citizens alike.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama as guest speaker, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, commended the GRA for the work it was doing.
He expressed confidence that the outfit will be able to achieve its target of GH¢189 billion in revenue.
He stated that the GRA had already collected GH¢180.6 billion as of September 2025, and the new schemes were expected to help close the gap.
“With the launch of the MTS and the tax education drive, I am confident we will meet our target,” Mr. Debrah said.
“We build roads, equip our security agencies, and drive growth through the taxes we pay. National development depends on our collective contribution,” he added.
The Modified Taxation Scheme is a simplified form of personal income tax targeted at informal sector players whose incomes are generated solely within Ghana and who are not registered for VAT.
The digital platform — accessible through the MTS mobile app or by dialling *880# — allows users to register using their Ghana Card, digital address, phone number, and business details. Payments can be made conveniently via mobile money.
By: Raunbowradioonline.com/Ghana
