The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ms. Julie Essiam, has resigned.

In a letter dated January 20, 2024, seen by Joy Business and addressed to the president through the Finance Minister designate, she expressed her gratitude to government for serving as Commissioner-General.

“With the greatest depth of gratitude, after five and half years of an incredible career at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), I write to resign from my position as the Commissioner-General of the Authority, with immediate effect”, the letter said

Ms Essiam served less than a year as Commissioner-General after former President Akufo-Addo appointed her on 24 March 2024. Until her appointment, she was responsible for the GRA’s Support Services Division.

In her letter, she indicated that the GRA recorded a revenue performance of GH₵152.977 billion, against a target of GH₵145.998 billion for the 2024 fiscal year.

“This represents exceeding our annual target by GH₵6.978 billion, an increase of 4.8%. With this performance, the GRA is now operating at a Tax to GDP Ratio of 17.0%, exceeding the target of 16.1%. Overall, this achievement represents a nominal growth of 35.3% over the 2023 performance”.

According to her, there is more to be than despite the improved performance demonstrated under her tenure.

“This notwithstanding, there still remain opportunities for a fundamental transformation of the Authority’s operating model for optimal revenue mobilization”.

She suggested the urgent full implementation of the IMF Structural Benchmarks, including the implementation of the ITAS (Integrated Tax Administration System) for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), and the sustainability of the ongoing Taxpayer Data Cleansing initiative.

“I have outlined all of this in my report to be shared with the Honorable Finance Minister – Designate,”, she said.

“The opportunity to serve this nation in this capacity has been an honor and a privilege”, she stressed.