The Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has indicated that the revenue collection agency will begin charging the new Value Added Tax (VAT) rate of 20% from today, January 1, 2026, instead of the old rate of 21%.

According to him, the move is aimed at making VAT payment simple for businesses and service providers as well as boosting the country's revenue mobilisation.

Speaking to Joy Business, Mr. Sarpong said that based on the many reforms and adjustments made to the tax law in order to simplify payment, it will be a game changer for revenue mobilisation in the short term.

“To bring parity to the system, we have removed the flat rate so that everyone consuming will be eligible to pay the standard rate. We believe that with a lot of administrative strategies and reforms in the new system, VAT is going to be the game-changer as far as revenue generation in this country is concerned. And we’re looking forward to working with businesses to equip taxpayers to ensure that we understand the tax obligation on VAT, and every consumer in this country will demand a VAT receipt whenever making a purchase,” he explained.

The implementation of the new VAT follows the passage and subsequent presidential assent given to the VAT Bill 2025.

This development marks a significant overhaul to simplify the country’s tax system, consolidate laws, abolish the COVID-19 Levy, and improve compliance through digitalisation in revenue administration.

The law is also aiming for greater fairness and economic growth as the country makes progress to enhance domestic tax mobilisation.

The reform is part of the recommendations from the International Monetary Fund to reduce bureaucracies in tax collection.

Key changes include unifying the flat-rate system, reducing effective rates, allowing deduction of GETFund/NHIL as input tax, and boosting revenue efficiency.

This will also include the deployment of digital channels like the E-VAT for accurate collection.

Meanwhile, in a new year message to the country, the Commissioner General stressed the collaboration between the business community and tax officials to ensure a mutual agreement on enhancing revenue for development.