By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Accra, May 18, GNA – Speakers at a Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) tax education forum have urged the Muslim Community to actively support tax compliance and national revenue mobilisation as part of their civic and religious responsibilities.
The forum, organised by the GRA, under the auspices of the National Chief Imam, brought together Muslim leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners to deepen understanding of taxation and promote voluntary compliance.
Nana Yiadom Boakye Kanto, Ankobeahene of Asante Akyem Apaah, who chaired the programme, described the engagement as an important national exercise aimed at supporting Ghana’s development agenda through improved domestic revenue mobilisation.
He said the GRA played a critical role in ensuring that the national treasury was adequately resourced to finance key development projects and public services across the country.
Nana Kanto noted that obedience to lawful Authority and support for national development were consistent with Islamic teachings and urged participants to cooperate with the GRA and support efforts to strengthen tax compliance.
Mrs Florence Asante, a Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communication and Public Affairs at the GRA, said the Authority had intensified engagement with faith-based organisations to strengthen tax education at the grassroots level.
She explained that many taxpayers did not comply simply because they lacked adequate understanding of tax laws and procedures, making education and direct engagement essential.
The Deputy Commissioner said the GRA viewed religious leaders and faith-based groups as strategic partners in promoting voluntary tax compliance and encouraging responsible citizenship.
She noted that the Authority had moved beyond media campaigns to direct interaction with business operators, importers and entrepreneurs to address concerns and improve understanding of tax obligations.
She urged businesses to demand VAT invoices and comply with tax regulations, stressing that taxes financed essential public services such as schools, hospitals, roads and other social infrastructure.
She highlighted government’s efforts to reduce dependence on external borrowing, saying improved domestic revenue mobilisation remained critical to Ghana’s economic independence and sustainable development.
Maulvi Hafif Ibrahim Sandow, a Muslim Cleric at Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, said taxation was deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, explaining that the concept of wealth-sharing and supporting the vulnerable formed part of the principles underpinning zakat.
He said Islam encouraged believers to contribute part of their wealth towards the welfare of society, noting that taxation supported government’s efforts to provide social services and national development.
The Cleric explained that the Holy Quran recognised differences in wealth distribution and encouraged those with financial means to support the less privileged through structured contributions.
He urged Muslims to lead by example in fulfilling their tax obligations, describing tax payment as both a civic duty and a moral responsibility consistent with Islamic values.
He encouraged participants to pay taxes honestly, seek clarification on tax issues when necessary and support government’s efforts to build a stronger and self-reliant economy.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku
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