Dr Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, the Acting Commissioner of Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reaffirmed the institution's commitment to implement reforms that address leakages and compliance gaps.

According to the GRA boss, there was a collection shortfall of an estimated 67 percent tax gap for income tax (collecting roughly 33 percent of due income tax) and a 61 percent tax gap for Value Added Tax (VAT).

He mentioned that the introduction of e-invoicing and the increment of the VAT registration threshold from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000 per annum, among others, would encourage micro businesses to enter the tax net and also distribute tax burdens more equitably across the population.

Dr Yamborigya made the remarks during the 'Executive Business Dialogue' in Accra, which was organised by Makers and Partners (MAP), an international business consultancy firm originating.

The dialogue was a strategic platform to facilitate informed conversations between business leaders, experts, and stakeholders on navigating tax and fiscal reforms while building resilient and sustainable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Dr Yamborigya said willingly registering businesses and paying taxes as required by law implies that Ghana will be able to mobilize enough resources domestically to cater for its needs.

He revealed that GRA would soon launch the National Compliance and Enforcement Team to strengthen VAT collection and fight tax evasion, adding, "the purpose is to ensure there is parity."

Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, Associate Partner-Advisory at MAP also touched on the critical role of SMEs; contributing significantly to employment creation, innovation, and national growth.

She said, however, SME tax compliance represents one of Ghana's untapped revenue resources, which requires commitment from all stakeholders to heighten tax education and psyche the minds of taxpayers for voluntary tax compliance.

COP Addo-Danquah highlighted MAP's expertise in advisory services, tax services, audit assurance, and accountancy services, which were all geared towards supporting businesses in navigating tax reforms and promoting sustainable growth.

Professor Patrick Asuming, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business School, underscored the need to dissect the 2026 Budget to help promote value addition and industrialization, saying, "It is important to create a macroeconomic environment to support production and value addition".

He called on the government to use its procurement power to support small businesses owned by Ghanaians who are already adding value.

Mr Ronald N. Bwosi, Group Managing Partner of Ronalds LLP, encouraged SMEs to take advantage of tax incentives, highlighting the importance of tax compliance and strategic planning.

He said, aside from paying less tax, businesses that have mastered compliance have advantage over others who do not comply and also have the motivation to advertise their business without fear of being clamped down.

Atta Issah, Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament also noted that unemployment remained a major challenge in the country as such; the 2026 Budget passed by Parliament captured some structured reforms that intend to strengthen the business community to create jobs for the youth.

"Increasing the VAT registration threshold from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000 is a way to encourage more people into business and entrepreneurship, and that is critical for me as a Member of Parliament".