Patrick Yaw Boamah, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, has petitioned the Ministry of Finance over what he describes as urgent structural and operational challenges in the application of interest and penalty provisions under the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915).
The legislator is calling for immediate policy and legislative reforms, warning that the current system could have serious consequences for businesses and taxpayer confidence.
Addressing journalists at the Parliament House, Mr Boamah—who also serves as Chairperson of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee—acknowledged that Act 915 was a major step in modernising Ghana’s tax administration and strengthening the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
However, he said the practical implementation of the law has exposed unintended challenges, particularly in the way interest and penalties are applied to taxpayers who struggle to meet their obligations.
Mr Boamah warned that the current framework risks eroding public trust in the tax system, undermining economic productivity, and discouraging voluntary compliance among individuals and businesses.
He further raised concerns about alleged abuse by some tax enforcement officers, claiming that certain officials harass companies and discreetly extort money from firms facing financial difficulties.
According to him, such practices not only damage the credibility of Ghana’s tax administration but also discourage investment and hinder business growth.
The MP is therefore urging the Finance Ministry to review the relevant provisions of the law and introduce reforms that ensure fairness while still promoting compliance.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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