Young entrepreneurs under 35 years old who work in Ghana’s creative sector qualify for a five-year tax holiday, according to Ghana's tax laws.

Victor Yao Akogo, Chief Revenue Officer of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at GRA, revealed the incentive during the 7th edition of Showbiz Roundtable on Joy FM held on 6th September 2025. 

According to Victor, the law states that after the exemption period, these creatives pay a reduced tax rate of 15 per cent, and only 12.5 per cent if they operate outside district capitals or in rural areas.

Themed “GRA Vs. Creatives – Taxation and the Future of Ghana’s Creative & Digital Economy”, the forum brought together GRA officials and creative industry stakeholders to discuss how taxation shapes the growth of the sector. 

Akogo explained to the host Kwame Dadzie, the intent behind the incentive: “If you are a young entrepreneur and you are into the creative industry, and your age, respectfully, it’s not above 35 years, you are exempted from paying tax for five years. After that exemption five years, you are also given a reduced rate of 15% to pay as your corporate tax or personal income tax.”

“Even if you are located at a rural area or elsewhere or not in a district capital, you are asked to pay 12.5% as tax. So you pay a reduced tax rate as a young entrepreneur,” he added. 

The relief extends beyond creative industries to include young entrepreneurs in tourism, horticulture, plant medicine, and manufacturing. 

Akogo said the scheme is designed to encourage youth participation in business and spur job creation across these sectors. 

Beneficiaries may also request an extension of the tax exemption beyond five years. 

About Showbiz Roundtable

Showbiz Roundtable is a thought-leadership forum launched by Joy FM, under the Showbiz A-Z brand, that brings together stakeholders from the creative, tourism, arts, and culture industries along with policymakers. 

The platform allows open dialogue on key issues affecting the sector from sponsorship and event safety to mental health and the creative economy’s future.  

Previous editions have tackled challenges around event sponsorship, safety at venues, mental health in the creative community, and more under varying themes. 

It is moderated by Kwame Dadzie and broadcast on Joy 99.7 FM and Joy Prime television, with support from Joy Entertainment. It is produced by Philip Nai and Anita Teye.