The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is set to implement the Physical and Electronic Devices Act this year, Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, has announced.

He explained that enforcement of the Act would facilitate the deployment of physical monitoring devices at retail outlets nationwide, as part of reforms being undertaken by the Authority to automate the Value Added Tax (VAT) system.

The automation process began in 2025 with the passage of a new VAT law, he said at the closing session of a three-day management retreat of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) of the GRA in Sunyani.

The retreat was held on the theme: “Transforming for impact and growth: Focusing on VAT performance and compliance.”

Mr Sarpong noted that the legal reforms were expected to support the automation of VAT collection and enhance compliance. He added that enforcement of the Act would empower the GRA to monitor transactions nationwide and significantly improve VAT performance.

He disclosed that current VAT performance stood at about 40 per cent, leaving a gap of approximately 60 per cent. This means that out of every 100 potential VAT opportunities, only about 40 per cent were being captured, a situation he described as unsatisfactory.

“We are determined to change that so that VAT becomes a key anchor in our national revenue mobilisation,” he stated, stressing that businesses remained critical partners in the tax system.

Mr Sarpong urged taxpayers to cooperate with the GRA and honour their VAT obligations to enable the nation to generate the revenue required for progressive and sustainable development.

He expressed optimism that with a strong sense of responsibility, commitment, motivation and zeal, the Authority would achieve its tax targets.

Mr Sarpong added that the nation had provided the necessary opportunities and resources for GRA personnel and encouraged them to work diligently.