Accra, Sept 27, GNA - The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has inaugurated a nine-member Ghana Revenue Authority Board (GRA) and charged members to pursue excellence and distinction in the performance of their duties in the face of challenges.

"We should not under estimate the task of forging an integrated Authority from three agencies that have operated as autonomous institutions for decades while simultaneously sustaining and improving on the revenue collection efforts", he said.

A release signed by the Team Leader, Public Affairs, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ms Annie Anipa, said by the quality, diversity and rich background of the members, the board had all it took to deliver the mandate of GRA and should do their best to address challenges facing revenue collection.

The Board is chaired by Mr. E. E. Kwesie, a Chartered Accountant and former Chairman of the Revenue Agencies Governing Board (RAGB). Other members are Mr. George Blankson, Commissioner-General of GRA, Mr. S.P Kyei, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kofi Wampah, Bank of Ghana.

The rest are, Mr. Kofi Larbi, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms Jessis Jacintho, Private Sector, Mr. Kwame Adjei Djan, Private Sector, Mrs Janet Opoku Acheampong, Private Sector and Mr. Abdallah Ali Nakyea, Private Sector.

The appointment of the Chairperson and members of the GRA board by the President fulfils Section 4 (2) of the Ghana Revenue Authority Act 2009, Act 791.

The Board is responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the Authority in the performance of its functions and formulation of administrative policy for the smooth and efficient management of the Authority.

It is also responsible for the determination of a scheme of service for the staff of the Authority and the performance of any other function incidental to the objects of the Authority.

The Board shall make recommendations to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning on tax policy, tax reforms, tax legislation, tax treaties, tax exemptions and tax concessions. Mr. Adjei Djan expressed members' appreciation to the government for the honour done them and gave the assurance that they would work to enhance revenue mobilisation for national development, the released said.