The late Thomas Sankara set a perfect example - Cutting Government Waste.Go and learn from history.Please cut down on the waste.the ministers enjoying free fuel and other subsidies must be made to pay for everything.enough of ... read full comment
The late Thomas Sankara set a perfect example - Cutting Government Waste.Go and learn from history.Please cut down on the waste.the ministers enjoying free fuel and other subsidies must be made to pay for everything.enough of this bull talk.let us do the right thing for once.
Frank Agyena-Karikari 11 years ago
Terkper should rather talk about first paying the poor workers well and then talk about taxation. What does government do with the oil money and money from other natural resources
Terkper should rather talk about first paying the poor workers well and then talk about taxation. What does government do with the oil money and money from other natural resources
ADWEN 11 years ago
Mr Finance Minister you said it right when stated that "The country is currently spending more than what it collects as revenue, while 60 percent of its total tax collected goes to settle public wages"
Yes, a whopping 60% of ... read full comment
Mr Finance Minister you said it right when stated that "The country is currently spending more than what it collects as revenue, while 60 percent of its total tax collected goes to settle public wages"
Yes, a whopping 60% of all the taxpayers money end up in the pockets of non-delivering public sector workers at the ministries who don't provide any better (forget about quality) to the public.
1. Poor land administration services - you can't get any land title or related services done in years. One has to bribe Land administration staffs everyday without being issued any permit only assurance.
2. Poor Police service, walk into any police station in Ghana and see the service (quality excleded) you will receive.
3.Go to the ports to clear your stuff and see how many middlemen you have to bribe your way through and how long it will take you to clear your goods.
4. Go to any of our ministries to secure a service and see howm many so-called "big men" you have to see before you are listened to. Even though these people are being paid for by the taxpayer, yet when the taxpayer goes for service due him/her (s)he is made to beg for the services he has paid for already by way of services.
5. many more.
Whoever wants to address the tax issue must address the structural and the control issues in the country, especially issues to do with:
1. the uncontrolled waste and corruption in the ministries and within the public sector and its workers.
2. ministers are overpaid for not providing good quality controls to improve the lives of the people they are representing (they rather lord it over the people)
3.nothing is streamlined and ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL SYSTEMS TO CHECK THE PERFORMANCE AND ACTIVITIES OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR. It is chaos everywhere in the government and its ministries.
i cannot pay tax knowing very well it is going to end up in somebody's pocket.
SO IMPROVING THE TAXABLE ENVIRONMENT MUST PRECEDE THE UNSUBSTANTIATED EFFORT TO WIDEN THE THE TAX NET (TO BRING MORE HARDSHIPS TO THOSE AFFECTED) WITHOUT ANY SERVICE IN RETURN.
sister 11 years ago
THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS FILTHY, SPIRITUALLY,PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY.
THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS FILTHY, SPIRITUALLY,PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY.
OKYEAME 11 years ago
So you see,that is the reason why some people were against the creation of more constituencies but instead of thinking about the cost they rather politicised it- Now look at the size of the government.Tekper should ask the pr ... read full comment
So you see,that is the reason why some people were against the creation of more constituencies but instead of thinking about the cost they rather politicised it- Now look at the size of the government.Tekper should ask the president about the duplication of positions in his ministry for example.cut away those and there will be money in the coffers
Hear it Clear 11 years ago
Agreed, they are being paid! Why shod they be giving all that?
Agreed, they are being paid! Why shod they be giving all that?
Hear it Clear 11 years ago
Why should they be given all those things.
Why should they be given all those things.
Pelicles 11 years ago
The president do not pay tax. Any reason to that effect?
The president do not pay tax. Any reason to that effect?
ADAMA 11 years ago
HOW COME ALL FOOLS IN GHANA LIKE NDC?
HOW COME ALL FOOLS IN GHANA LIKE NDC?
STONER KOBYLYNTON 11 years ago
Seth, the idea of widening the tax net is good idea but it should also be measured with good leaving environment. You cannot send your tax collector with government vehicle to ply on a pot holes roads to go and collect pro ... read full comment
Seth, the idea of widening the tax net is good idea but it should also be measured with good leaving environment. You cannot send your tax collector with government vehicle to ply on a pot holes roads to go and collect property tax money from landlords who do not have good accessible roads to their homes. Government have long time not do its job and had taken the citizens for a ride.
Before this idea is implemented, government should also start to prune down its expenditure. Executive, Judiciary and Legislative organs salaries and allowances should be looked into which I think it's astronomical. In times like this, leaders should live by example and not to load the burden on the poor.
Why can't you people learn from Uruguy President who lives in his wife's farm house, drives 1987 V.W. Beetle and takes approximately $1500.00 for himself out of his $12,000.00 monthly salary and donate the rest to charity? Can you persuade Mahama and his bandits to think about that, Seth?
JAMES Y 11 years ago
Bring those in the informal markets - bread sellers, fishmongers, road-side food sellers, market women/men and all the rest in the unofficial markets into the tax net. They should be made to pay tax on their incomes. Not, nec ... read full comment
Bring those in the informal markets - bread sellers, fishmongers, road-side food sellers, market women/men and all the rest in the unofficial markets into the tax net. They should be made to pay tax on their incomes. Not, necessarily their products.
STONER KOBYLYNTON 11 years ago
Hei James, do you know how VAT plays in some areas of business - especially like bread sellers' road-side food sellers and market men/women. In some of these businesses the government had already collected his taxes through ... read full comment
Hei James, do you know how VAT plays in some areas of business - especially like bread sellers' road-side food sellers and market men/women. In some of these businesses the government had already collected his taxes through the VAT (Valued Added Tax)system and cannot again go and chase some of these business groups. It will not be only unfair but duplication of tax collection.
In addition of widening Tax collection which is good idea, the government should prune down its expenditure (Salaries and allowances of the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature) and also make friendly business environment so people with capital can open businesses and create more jobs which also come with reasonable taxes.
JAMES Y 11 years ago
HI!, Stoner, the VAT is calculated and collected in advance and the amount is incorporated in the final price of the bread which customer pays. But the accrued income of the seller on the road-side does not pay income tax, un ... read full comment
HI!, Stoner, the VAT is calculated and collected in advance and the amount is incorporated in the final price of the bread which customer pays. But the accrued income of the seller on the road-side does not pay income tax, unlike the person who pays his/her income tax at source and, those who own restaurants.
jp 11 years ago
what your point
what your point
Ben, U.S. 11 years ago
Most of our ministers (including Mr. Terpker and the President) lived outside Ghana - in countries where governments collect revenue through effective use of ID numbers and address systems. President Mahama promised to embark ... read full comment
Most of our ministers (including Mr. Terpker and the President) lived outside Ghana - in countries where governments collect revenue through effective use of ID numbers and address systems. President Mahama promised to embark on this project when he was Vice-President, but has sadly failed to tell us which stage we are with the project.
Unfortunately, President Mahama can appoint ministers with Harvard, Yale, and Oxford degrees; if this issue is not addressed we might as well kiss our, so called, middle income target goodbye. Identification systems such as, addresses, street names, social security numbers, etc when incorporated into a national data based computer system would not only be an effective tax collection tool , but also could be utilized by the gov’t agencies to track our population demographics. For example, the Electoral Commission could identify true Ghanaians and where they live to prevent election fraud and enhance our democracy. Of course, it may be political expedient to ignore this issue because average Ghanaians won’t tangibly see its benefit. However, government can’t increase its tax revenue sources to finance many promised projects if this grass root problem of addresses and ID systems is not tackled. Both Dr. Duffour and Mr. Terpker schooled in the U.S. and should know better.
How can street names and addresses be quickly accomplished? I’m sure the Google Company would be happy to assist the Ghana gov’t map out (via google maps) our roads, streets, and even individual homes. Once identified; individual homes, for example, could be assigned ID numbers. If this is accomplished, the AMA, and other district councils could easily identify (via online and from any computer) any house, old or new, in the community and collect property taxes for local development.
How can the ID systems be quickly achieved? We have lots of university and SSS graduates who are unemployed. Hire them and send them throughout the country to carry out this project. Furthermore, begin from the hospitals and elementary schools and make sure that every newly born child and pupil is given a life time social security number.
OKYEAME 11 years ago
Excellent, they can start by using the voters register and prepare a data base from where the social security numbers would be generated.But is anybody listening to this your idea?
Excellent, they can start by using the voters register and prepare a data base from where the social security numbers would be generated.But is anybody listening to this your idea?
JAMES Y 11 years ago
Hi, Ben, This is well thought out piece of advice you have given here; especially, about the government contracting "Google Company" to help map out our streets... ,and using our unemployed youngsters to carry the project th ... read full comment
Hi, Ben, This is well thought out piece of advice you have given here; especially, about the government contracting "Google Company" to help map out our streets... ,and using our unemployed youngsters to carry the project through. The newly born child birth Cert. and pupil National Insurance Numbers are all good for identification. The question is; will our government heed your advice? You are right asking President Mahama; effectively, what happened to his promised IDs and addresses project when he was Vice President? In fact, your reminder has made me to contemplate whether his State of the Nation address is not all boloney or hot air?!
OSEI LON 11 years ago
BEN PLS DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH OUR CUSTOMS AT TEMA PORT GET YEARLY NOBODY KNOWS YOU SEE BEN YOUR IDEAS IS PERFECT BUT OUR LEADERS ARE MORE ORLESS ANIMALS.
BEN PLS DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH OUR CUSTOMS AT TEMA PORT GET YEARLY NOBODY KNOWS YOU SEE BEN YOUR IDEAS IS PERFECT BUT OUR LEADERS ARE MORE ORLESS ANIMALS.
max france 11 years ago
JAMES Y you are right, My maison took 50millon cedis for building my villa, but when i asked him how much is he going to pay as tax ? He told me not even 1 cedi. and these are the people
who day in and day out point t ... read full comment
JAMES Y you are right, My maison took 50millon cedis for building my villa, but when i asked him how much is he going to pay as tax ? He told me not even 1 cedi. and these are the people
who day in and day out point thier fingers on the govt.about health ,roads etc.
"SUGARFOOT" ZOOZEE 11 years ago
In the Gold Coat days every adult in a municipal town or city had to pay "LAMPOOL".This was a basic tax towards roads, electrcity,primary school education, water, fire services etc.
THESE DAYS 80% OF ALL gHANAIANS DO NOT PAY ... read full comment
In the Gold Coat days every adult in a municipal town or city had to pay "LAMPOOL".This was a basic tax towards roads, electrcity,primary school education, water, fire services etc.
THESE DAYS 80% OF ALL gHANAIANS DO NOT PAY ANY DIRECT TAXES like INCOME TAX yet they have the audacity to complain aboutlack os water, lack of sanitation, lack of hospital facilities and pot holes etc. Churches must be made to pay some taxeson their incomes. Do our PASTORS PAY ANY TAXES? They are amongst some of the most well off in our society.
How about FUNERAL TAX, WE NEED TO TAX THIS LUCRATIVE BUSINESS. I can assure you no govt in Ghana will have the guts to bring back the LAMPOOL TAX because it is not a vote winner. And what will happen to the tax once it is collected, of course most of it will be siphoned away by unscrupulous administrators.
Obenfo 11 years ago
It's really funny the way you've put it, "LAMPOOL":) The Land and Poll tax system worked very well, and taxes collected in those days were put to good use: Sanitation officials or Town Council Officials popularly known as "Ta ... read full comment
It's really funny the way you've put it, "LAMPOOL":) The Land and Poll tax system worked very well, and taxes collected in those days were put to good use: Sanitation officials or Town Council Officials popularly known as "Tankas" were very effective, they moved from house to house to inspect sanitation and levy fine for insanitary conditions such as garbage and children's toilette left in open places. We need to revisit the basics, and Ghana will do well.
Cornell 11 years ago
Given the dynamic economic environment we currently have, the so called Land/Poll tax is not the solution. The minister is absolutely right about broaden the net tax base to increase the revenue side. What the government ough ... read full comment
Given the dynamic economic environment we currently have, the so called Land/Poll tax is not the solution. The minister is absolutely right about broaden the net tax base to increase the revenue side. What the government ought to do is to incorporate some form of retirement allowance into the tax mechanism to encourage people to file tax. In addition, stiff penalties should be in place for tax avoidance individuals and corporate entities.
Rosalyn 11 years ago
Spend 100% on workers. My enemies will drink palm wine for dinner. Amen
Spend 100% on workers. My enemies will drink palm wine for dinner. Amen
GHFUO, BE SERIOUS NOT PRIDEFUL! 11 years ago
THEY WILL DRINK NTINSHINU....DOKONU SUO....
DID U KNOW DAT THE MINIMUM WAGE IN CANADA IS $10:75...MAYBE EVEN $12 IN SOME AREAS? MINIMUM WAGE IN US IS $7:25....
THEY WILL DRINK NTINSHINU....DOKONU SUO....
DID U KNOW DAT THE MINIMUM WAGE IN CANADA IS $10:75...MAYBE EVEN $12 IN SOME AREAS? MINIMUM WAGE IN US IS $7:25....
Sakura 11 years ago
So what? What are you trying to say? Ghana should pay $15 minimum wage?
So what? What are you trying to say? Ghana should pay $15 minimum wage?
GHFUO, BE SERIOUS NOT PRIDEFUL! 11 years ago
U EVER BEEN TO CANADA BEFORE? U EVER EVER EVDN BEEN TO THE US? WAT I'M TELLING U IS U R A MORON...
U EVER BEEN TO CANADA BEFORE? U EVER EVER EVDN BEEN TO THE US? WAT I'M TELLING U IS U R A MORON...
JAMES Y 11 years ago
If it is true, as they say that 'the countenance is the mirror of the soul', then our new Finance Minister looks a living example of a serious man who is prepared to use all the tools available to get what the state really wa ... read full comment
If it is true, as they say that 'the countenance is the mirror of the soul', then our new Finance Minister looks a living example of a serious man who is prepared to use all the tools available to get what the state really wants. This devotion is really good for Ghana in its quest to become a prosperous country.
Kwadjoe, London 11 years ago
Mr Minister, I am disappointed.You set the tax policy for the fiscal year. You also provide the political leadership to bring about the attainment of these policies. IRS is mandated to collect all taxes, why are they not doin ... read full comment
Mr Minister, I am disappointed.You set the tax policy for the fiscal year. You also provide the political leadership to bring about the attainment of these policies. IRS is mandated to collect all taxes, why are they not doing it? People are accusing the President in this media for being corrupt. Saying that Ghana is Corrupt and the President being part of it suggest that our nation state is failing.IRS, SSNIT, Customs,Auditor General where are you?Our independence and democracy gives us the right to create wealth and enjoy these wealth.To make the payment of taxes the responsibility of the tax payer is a colonial mentality. The state will use that law to raid the natives wealth, that is what happened during the AFRC regime.
Let us accept the responsility to govern ourselves.
Hear it Clear 11 years ago
Smart move! Not increasing but bringing more people in. All the Kokompe Spare Parts sellers, Store owners and others(small Businesses) must pay this time.
Smart move! Not increasing but bringing more people in. All the Kokompe Spare Parts sellers, Store owners and others(small Businesses) must pay this time.
Chief amankwa 11 years ago
Look this guy talking .
Stop driving around like God in Ghana using small taxes money buy land cruiser..cut fown govt expenses
Look this guy talking .
Stop driving around like God in Ghana using small taxes money buy land cruiser..cut fown govt expenses
GHFUO, BE SERIOUS NOT PRIDEFUL! 11 years ago
REGIONS MUST HVE THE POWER TO IMPOSE SALES TAXES ON GOODS N SERVICES. REGIONS MUST PAY TRANSFER PAYMENTS TO THE CENTRAL GOVT. THE ORDINARY CITIZEN MUST PAY TAXES. WE ALSO NEED MORE SOCIAL PROGRAMS. PPL CANT PAY TAXES N NOT RE ... read full comment
REGIONS MUST HVE THE POWER TO IMPOSE SALES TAXES ON GOODS N SERVICES. REGIONS MUST PAY TRANSFER PAYMENTS TO THE CENTRAL GOVT. THE ORDINARY CITIZEN MUST PAY TAXES. WE ALSO NEED MORE SOCIAL PROGRAMS. PPL CANT PAY TAXES N NOT RECEIVE ANYTHING IN RETURN. TAP WATER FOR HOUSEHOLD USE MUST, MUST BE FREE...! JESUS CHRIST. GH IS A TROPICAL COUNTRY. PPL SHOULDNT BE PAYING FOR WATER. TAP WATER FOR HOME USE IS FREE IN COLD/WINTER NATIONS...OH GHANA...WHY?!
Sakura 11 years ago
I don't understand your point sir. You sound mixed up. Please help me understand your points. If I pay taxes and the money is wasted, why should I pay more?
I don't understand your point sir. You sound mixed up. Please help me understand your points. If I pay taxes and the money is wasted, why should I pay more?
Sakura 11 years ago
Why create new ministries with fat salaries and generous perks when there is no money?
Why do we need DCEs when we have regional ministers and everything is planned in Accra?
Why do we need new constituencies with a h ... read full comment
Why create new ministries with fat salaries and generous perks when there is no money?
Why do we need DCEs when we have regional ministers and everything is planned in Accra?
Why do we need new constituencies with a handful of people to bloat our spending?
Now list all those government corporations on the stock exchange (yes privatise them)so the money locked in there can be made available for the budget shortfalls. Our credit ratings will surely go down and our borrowing cost will rise.
What the heck are you guys doing? You guys are all fools and I am very sad for my dear country.
GHFUO, BE SERIOUS NOT PRIDEFUL! 11 years ago
MY FRIEND, U R A RETARD
MY FRIEND, U R A RETARD
OKYEAME 11 years ago
Thank you
Thank you
james 11 years ago
its the prez,mp's and ministers who re the cause of all this wahala. mr.prez,u re a pretender and a wicked prez.
its the prez,mp's and ministers who re the cause of all this wahala. mr.prez,u re a pretender and a wicked prez.
7B 11 years ago
fools, widen tax for poly girls, malice and womaniser as well as gay crew... incompetenncy ndc
fools, widen tax for poly girls, malice and womaniser as well as gay crew... incompetenncy ndc
Pelicles 11 years ago
Widening the tax net should include the president himself. There is no explanation as to why the president should have tax exemption status. Is he working for free and who asked him to apply to be president?
The preside ... read full comment
Widening the tax net should include the president himself. There is no explanation as to why the president should have tax exemption status. Is he working for free and who asked him to apply to be president?
The president having tax exemption status, is senseless and stupid and irresponsible. If the Finance Minister is suggestion that the tax net should be widened then that should include all and sundry.
Obenfo 11 years ago
If the President doesn't pay tax what audacity does he has to ask others to pay tax.
In advanced countries, especially the United States, a presidential aspirant is required to disclose at 3 year tax records, Ghana is a ... read full comment
If the President doesn't pay tax what audacity does he has to ask others to pay tax.
In advanced countries, especially the United States, a presidential aspirant is required to disclose at 3 year tax records, Ghana is a joke!
Kwaku Manu, Nungua 11 years ago
We need a the following in order to improve our tax system:
1.Get every Ghanaian unique identifier number.
2. Link the numbers to passport, voter ID, work ID, etc
3.link tax to opening bank accout, applying for market stal ... read full comment
We need a the following in order to improve our tax system:
1.Get every Ghanaian unique identifier number.
2. Link the numbers to passport, voter ID, work ID, etc
3.link tax to opening bank accout, applying for market stalls. importation. exportation etc.
4. Improve naming of streets in order to ensure physical address of every Ghanaian.
Give me this job to do for free.
Kwasi Miezah, Western Region 11 years ago
Almost all of our ministers (including Mr. Terpker and the President) lived outside Ghana - in countries where governments collect revenue through effective use of ID numbers and address systems. President Mahama promised to ... read full comment
Almost all of our ministers (including Mr. Terpker and the President) lived outside Ghana - in countries where governments collect revenue through effective use of ID numbers and address systems. President Mahama promised to embark on this project when he was Vice-President, but has sadly failed to tell us which stage we are with the project.
Unfortunately, President Mahama can appoint ministers with Harvard, Yale, and Oxford degrees; if this issue is not addressed we might as well kiss our, so called, middle income target goodbye. Identification systems such as, addresses, street names, social security numbers, etc when incorporated into a national data based computer system would not only be an effective tax collection tool , but also could be utilized by the gov’t agencies to track our population demographics. For example, the Electoral Commission could identify true Ghanaians and where they live to prevent election fraud and enhance our democracy. Of course, it may be political expedient to ignore this issue because average Ghanaians won’t tangibly see its benefit. However, government can’t increase its tax revenue sources to finance many promised projects if this grass root problem of addresses and ID systems is not tackled. Both Dr. Duffour and Mr. Terpker schooled in the U.S. and should know better.
How can street names and addresses be quickly accomplished? I’m sure the Google Company would be happy to assist the Ghana gov’t map out (via google maps) our roads, streets, and even individual homes. Once identified; individual homes, for example, could be assigned ID numbers. If this is accomplished, the AMA, and other district councils could easily identify (via online and from any computer) any house, old or new, in the community and collect property taxes for local development.
How can the ID systems be quickly achieved? We have lots of university and SSS graduates who are unemployed. Hire them and send them throughout the country to carry out this project. Furthermore, begin from the hospitals and elementary schools and make sure that every newly born child and pupil is given a life time social security number.
EZEKIEL 11 years ago
Trimm DOWN the Govt.EXPENDITURE.Mps shouldn't have a PAY REVIEW EVERY 4 yrs. and they should pay for their vehicles (petrol +ALL)THAT'S why their Salary is on the AVERAGE HIGHER!!
Democracy IS NEVER CHEAP but the accountabil ... read full comment
Trimm DOWN the Govt.EXPENDITURE.Mps shouldn't have a PAY REVIEW EVERY 4 yrs. and they should pay for their vehicles (petrol +ALL)THAT'S why their Salary is on the AVERAGE HIGHER!!
Democracy IS NEVER CHEAP but the accountability and Transparency make it ENJOYABLE.
If I know WHY and to what USE my TAX is used for ,i will at least understand.
NOBODY pays TAX FREELY but taxes are NECESSARY for Govt to PROVIDE the BASICS for ALL CITIZENS!! In Ghana ONLY TOO FEW ENJOY BUT THE MASSES CONTRIBUTE!!!
Organise the COUNTRY and you'll broaden the TAX-BASE for more REVENUE.
We keep on adding MPs for example WITHOUT ANY NECESSITY.DO you think they don't cost ANYTHING ???
As Pratt said some were living like GOATS but now want A/C and Slide windows in their houses!
OO 11 years ago
15MILLION GHANAIANS ARE STILL UNDER TAX, POLITIANS FREE RIDE SHOULD BE NO MORE. PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING MUST CUT ESPECIALLY WASTE FUULY SPENDING. TRAIN PUBLIC SECTOR IN BUDGETING AND ACCOUNTABILITY. ALL SUBSIDIES MUST GO. TEMA ... read full comment
15MILLION GHANAIANS ARE STILL UNDER TAX, POLITIANS FREE RIDE SHOULD BE NO MORE. PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING MUST CUT ESPECIALLY WASTE FUULY SPENDING. TRAIN PUBLIC SECTOR IN BUDGETING AND ACCOUNTABILITY. ALL SUBSIDIES MUST GO. TEMA OIL REFINERY NEED TO GO PUBLIC SO CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO STREAMLINE THE SYSTEM TO MAKE PROFIT
OO 11 years ago
KEY TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PEOPLE IN THE WORKING CLASS BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TO ALIGN THE TAX STRUCTURE. AGAIN REGIONS, DISTRICT, MUNICIPALITIES SHOULD BE PART OFF REVENUE TAX COLLECTION SYSTEM OR MECHANISIM TO GENRATE ... read full comment
KEY TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PEOPLE IN THE WORKING CLASS BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TO ALIGN THE TAX STRUCTURE. AGAIN REGIONS, DISTRICT, MUNICIPALITIES SHOULD BE PART OFF REVENUE TAX COLLECTION SYSTEM OR MECHANISIM TO GENRATE BADLY NEED TAX REVENUE
Nana Kofi 11 years ago
Honourable Minister, this is long overdue, it should be your first priority as the Minister of Finance at this period in our history to implement an effective system of taxation [especially income tax] that is fit for the 21s ... read full comment
Honourable Minister, this is long overdue, it should be your first priority as the Minister of Finance at this period in our history to implement an effective system of taxation [especially income tax] that is fit for the 21st Century [this middle income accolade is irrelevant to the reality of the lives of Ghanaians, salaried workers, who have dispropportionately bourne the tax burden since our independence].
The income tax burden has always been bourne disproportionately by salaried income earners who have no option but pay tax on their income before they are given whatever is left. On the contrary, people who are self employed [including farmers], have enjoyed a regime of tax holiday. There are citizens in this country who have built houses, bought land and own vehicles, and other property but have no Inland Revenue reference numbers, that is, have paid not a pesewa of tax on their income their whole working life. On the other hand every pesewa earned by the lowest paid salaried worker is taxed in accordance with the law.
Not only is this immoral but it is criminal for anyone to earn income in Ghana without declaring this income to the Inland Revenue for the appropriate tax assessed, levied and paid to the State, whilst workers are mandated to pay tax on any cedi earned.
Honourable Minister I suggest the following measures for your Ministry to correct this situation:
[1] Set up teams [if it does not exist already] in the Regional IR centres whose sole aim is to select at random, and individuals recommended by tax officials, to audit their income over the last 20 years and assess the tax they have paid to the state on their income. If such a scheme does not exist, recommend its formation to parliament and design prosecutorial powers for such a team to operate under the law. This team should be staffed by well qualified accountants, tax experts and tax lawyers [well remunerated] and to conduct their work with the highest professional standards.
[2] Your ministry must implement without delay a six month period of education to inform or remind Ghanains [especially the self employed, including farmers] of their duty as citizens to declare their income annually [indicate the period, eg, 1st Jan - 31st December] to the Inland Revenue for the appropriate tax to be assessed and paid. Where an individual have not done this in the past 20 years it must be their responsibility as citizens to do so within 12months of the start of this education programme.
[3] It must be made a requirement for any government contract tendered by any Ghanaian or foreign partnered firm to attached a certified income tax certificate from the Inland Revenue indicating the taxes paid by the directors of these companies over the last 6 years and the taxes paid by the companies over the same period.
[4] Over the next four years [your first term in office], it must be made mandatory [backed by an act of Parliament], for every Ghanaian self employed to produce their tax certificate 12 months after the end of the previous tax year for the citizen to apply for any government contract, benefit and subsequently to register to vote.
It is imperative that we act now to implement measures that will make paying taxes by self employed madatory and a crime for not declaring their income to the IR and paying the required tax.
I am looking forward to seeing action by your Ministry this year, Sir?
The late Thomas Sankara set a perfect example - Cutting Government Waste.Go and learn from history.Please cut down on the waste.the ministers enjoying free fuel and other subsidies must be made to pay for everything.enough of ...
read full comment
Terkper should rather talk about first paying the poor workers well and then talk about taxation. What does government do with the oil money and money from other natural resources
Mr Finance Minister you said it right when stated that "The country is currently spending more than what it collects as revenue, while 60 percent of its total tax collected goes to settle public wages"
Yes, a whopping 60% of ...
read full comment
THE WHOLE COUNTRY IS FILTHY, SPIRITUALLY,PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY.
So you see,that is the reason why some people were against the creation of more constituencies but instead of thinking about the cost they rather politicised it- Now look at the size of the government.Tekper should ask the pr ...
read full comment
Agreed, they are being paid! Why shod they be giving all that?
Why should they be given all those things.
The president do not pay tax. Any reason to that effect?
HOW COME ALL FOOLS IN GHANA LIKE NDC?
Seth, the idea of widening the tax net is good idea but it should also be measured with good leaving environment. You cannot send your tax collector with government vehicle to ply on a pot holes roads to go and collect pro ...
read full comment
Bring those in the informal markets - bread sellers, fishmongers, road-side food sellers, market women/men and all the rest in the unofficial markets into the tax net. They should be made to pay tax on their incomes. Not, nec ...
read full comment
Hei James, do you know how VAT plays in some areas of business - especially like bread sellers' road-side food sellers and market men/women. In some of these businesses the government had already collected his taxes through ...
read full comment
HI!, Stoner, the VAT is calculated and collected in advance and the amount is incorporated in the final price of the bread which customer pays. But the accrued income of the seller on the road-side does not pay income tax, un ...
read full comment
what your point
Most of our ministers (including Mr. Terpker and the President) lived outside Ghana - in countries where governments collect revenue through effective use of ID numbers and address systems. President Mahama promised to embark ...
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Excellent, they can start by using the voters register and prepare a data base from where the social security numbers would be generated.But is anybody listening to this your idea?
Hi, Ben, This is well thought out piece of advice you have given here; especially, about the government contracting "Google Company" to help map out our streets... ,and using our unemployed youngsters to carry the project th ...
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BEN PLS DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH OUR CUSTOMS AT TEMA PORT GET YEARLY NOBODY KNOWS YOU SEE BEN YOUR IDEAS IS PERFECT BUT OUR LEADERS ARE MORE ORLESS ANIMALS.
JAMES Y you are right, My maison took 50millon cedis for building my villa, but when i asked him how much is he going to pay as tax ? He told me not even 1 cedi. and these are the people
who day in and day out point t ...
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In the Gold Coat days every adult in a municipal town or city had to pay "LAMPOOL".This was a basic tax towards roads, electrcity,primary school education, water, fire services etc.
THESE DAYS 80% OF ALL gHANAIANS DO NOT PAY ...
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It's really funny the way you've put it, "LAMPOOL":) The Land and Poll tax system worked very well, and taxes collected in those days were put to good use: Sanitation officials or Town Council Officials popularly known as "Ta ...
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Given the dynamic economic environment we currently have, the so called Land/Poll tax is not the solution. The minister is absolutely right about broaden the net tax base to increase the revenue side. What the government ough ...
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Spend 100% on workers. My enemies will drink palm wine for dinner. Amen
THEY WILL DRINK NTINSHINU....DOKONU SUO....
DID U KNOW DAT THE MINIMUM WAGE IN CANADA IS $10:75...MAYBE EVEN $12 IN SOME AREAS? MINIMUM WAGE IN US IS $7:25....
So what? What are you trying to say? Ghana should pay $15 minimum wage?
U EVER BEEN TO CANADA BEFORE? U EVER EVER EVDN BEEN TO THE US? WAT I'M TELLING U IS U R A MORON...
If it is true, as they say that 'the countenance is the mirror of the soul', then our new Finance Minister looks a living example of a serious man who is prepared to use all the tools available to get what the state really wa ...
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Mr Minister, I am disappointed.You set the tax policy for the fiscal year. You also provide the political leadership to bring about the attainment of these policies. IRS is mandated to collect all taxes, why are they not doin ...
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Smart move! Not increasing but bringing more people in. All the Kokompe Spare Parts sellers, Store owners and others(small Businesses) must pay this time.
Look this guy talking .
Stop driving around like God in Ghana using small taxes money buy land cruiser..cut fown govt expenses
REGIONS MUST HVE THE POWER TO IMPOSE SALES TAXES ON GOODS N SERVICES. REGIONS MUST PAY TRANSFER PAYMENTS TO THE CENTRAL GOVT. THE ORDINARY CITIZEN MUST PAY TAXES. WE ALSO NEED MORE SOCIAL PROGRAMS. PPL CANT PAY TAXES N NOT RE ...
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I don't understand your point sir. You sound mixed up. Please help me understand your points. If I pay taxes and the money is wasted, why should I pay more?
Why create new ministries with fat salaries and generous perks when there is no money?
Why do we need DCEs when we have regional ministers and everything is planned in Accra?
Why do we need new constituencies with a h ...
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MY FRIEND, U R A RETARD
Thank you
its the prez,mp's and ministers who re the cause of all this wahala. mr.prez,u re a pretender and a wicked prez.
fools, widen tax for poly girls, malice and womaniser as well as gay crew... incompetenncy ndc
Widening the tax net should include the president himself. There is no explanation as to why the president should have tax exemption status. Is he working for free and who asked him to apply to be president?
The preside ...
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If the President doesn't pay tax what audacity does he has to ask others to pay tax.
In advanced countries, especially the United States, a presidential aspirant is required to disclose at 3 year tax records, Ghana is a ...
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We need a the following in order to improve our tax system:
1.Get every Ghanaian unique identifier number.
2. Link the numbers to passport, voter ID, work ID, etc
3.link tax to opening bank accout, applying for market stal ...
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Almost all of our ministers (including Mr. Terpker and the President) lived outside Ghana - in countries where governments collect revenue through effective use of ID numbers and address systems. President Mahama promised to ...
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Trimm DOWN the Govt.EXPENDITURE.Mps shouldn't have a PAY REVIEW EVERY 4 yrs. and they should pay for their vehicles (petrol +ALL)THAT'S why their Salary is on the AVERAGE HIGHER!!
Democracy IS NEVER CHEAP but the accountabil ...
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15MILLION GHANAIANS ARE STILL UNDER TAX, POLITIANS FREE RIDE SHOULD BE NO MORE. PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING MUST CUT ESPECIALLY WASTE FUULY SPENDING. TRAIN PUBLIC SECTOR IN BUDGETING AND ACCOUNTABILITY. ALL SUBSIDIES MUST GO. TEMA ...
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KEY TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PEOPLE IN THE WORKING CLASS BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TO ALIGN THE TAX STRUCTURE. AGAIN REGIONS, DISTRICT, MUNICIPALITIES SHOULD BE PART OFF REVENUE TAX COLLECTION SYSTEM OR MECHANISIM TO GENRATE ...
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Honourable Minister, this is long overdue, it should be your first priority as the Minister of Finance at this period in our history to implement an effective system of taxation [especially income tax] that is fit for the 21s ...
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