The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has urged Ghanaians to make tax paying an essential priority, stressing its critical role in driving sustainable development.

Speaking to JoyBusiness during the 2025 Oguaa Fetu Afahye in Cape Coast, Mr. Sarpong disclosed that the GRA is making efforts to sensitise people on the importance of paying taxes.

The 2025 Oguaa Fetu Afahye was on the theme, "Innovate to elevate: Harnessing the creative economy for sustainable growth".

In an act of goodwill, the GRA donated a GH¢100,000 to the Central regional NADMO and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to assist the victims of the recent flood in the region which caused the collapsed of buildings and other properties.

“GRA, as I already said, is for revenue mobilisation and of course, being part of this celebration, and we have used it as an opportunity to educate Ghanaians and all taxpayers and people who are patronizing this place. As we enjoy and make merry, we should remember that the nation is developed by taxes that we collect and we encourage all those who are in Cape Coast to do one thing for us , as they go to the restaurants, hotels, and when they're leaving, they should do one simple thing...that the bill that they're given has a VAT invoice".

"When you demand VAT, you ensure that you contribute towards revenue mobilization and contribute towards national development,” he said.

The Commissioner General also used the occasion to embark on a radio campaign on the modified taxation programme which is being rolled out by the GRA to target small businesses outside the tax bracket.