The New Patriotic Party's Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticised the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for what he perceives as harassing businesses in the name of tax collection.

Dr. Bawumia attributed this issue to the GRA's imposition of unattainable targets on its officers, leading to excessive taxation of existing businesses.

He made this known during a meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry members on Wednesday, March 20, seeking their insights as the manifesto committee develops strategies for the 2024 elections.

Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the limitations of Ghana's narrow tax system, noting that it often burdens the same businesses and taxpayers with various taxes.

“They are harassing businesses. That harassment is coming from the sort of targets that are created at their office. They are setting unrealistic targets. And this is because the tax base is so narrow you say to them, this is your target for this month, and they are trying to figure out where do I go.

“Then for them, it is very easy, you go back to where you had it the last time. You go to taxpayers, the people who are already paying taxes and then you have to come up with a new reason why they should pay more and so you come up with all sorts of stuff.”

Dr. Bawumia has thus committed himself to implementing a flat tax rate in 2025 and offering tax amnesty to all businesses once he assumes office.

"Because of the harassment and the need to make money, we are going to start with a clean slate in 2025. And that is why in 2025, we are going to grant a tax amnesty to all businesses and individuals and start afresh.

“So we are going to start the new system, it’s a flat tax system so we are going to wipe the slate clean for every individual and business.”