The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Anloga District of the Volta Region has embarked on a campaign to educate the public on the importance of paying taxes. 

The move initiated by the NCCE was to raise awareness on the significance of tax compliance and its impact on national development and progress.  

Madam Woelikplim Emmanuella Apetorgbor, Civic Education Officer at Anloga, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that tax is a compulsory payment levied by the government on individuals and businesses to fund public goods and services. 

"Every individual who earns income above a certain threshold, including employees, self-employed individuals, and businesses, is obligated to pay tax for the development of our nation," she said.  

She explained that the importance of taxes cannot be overstated and stated that taxes were used to fund essential public services and infrastructure, such as education, healthcare, roads, security, and others, while paying taxes was crucial for national development, which enabled the government to provide basic amenities and services to citizens.  

She said that paying taxes was a civic duty and a civic responsibility of every citizen, and it contributes to the development of the country and improves the quality of life for citizens. Tax compliance was a requirement of the law, and failure to comply could result in penalties.  

"As I said, taxes are used for various development projects, including education in funding schools, universities, and educational programmes, providing medical facilities, equipment, and services; building roads, bridges, and public transportation systems; funding law enforcement agencies and national defence; and supporting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled."  

She said that the law that backs the paying of tax is the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896), which mandates individuals and businesses to pay taxes on their income.  

Madam Apetorgbor emphasised that paying tax was essential for the growth and development of the country, which enables it to reduce poverty, improve living standards, and promote economic stability.  

She noted that failure to pay tax could result in fines, penalties, and even imprisonment, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other established institutions in various assemblies were responsible for enforcing tax laws and collecting taxes for the development of the country.  

She said that paying taxes is a civic responsibility and encouraged citizens to comply with tax laws and contribute to the development of their communities and the country as a whole.  

Madam Apetorgbor said that the NCCE's campaign aimed to raise awareness about the importance of tax compliance and promote a culture of tax payment in Ghana, which was considered a responsibility of all to contribute to nation-building.