GeGov project launched

By Kofi Ahovi GeGov, the Project to deliver a new electronic system for the Registrar-General’s Department and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has been launched. GeGov is a Public Private Partnership between GCNet and Government of Ghana, specifically the Ministry of Communications, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Registrar-General’s Department (RGD) and the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), to automate business registration and tax administration. The project is supported and partly funded by the World Bank. From next month all new organizations and tax payers will be required to register through the new system as a matter of course while existing customers of GRA and RGD will be expected to re-register. GRA customers will receive a new Registration Number, Certification of Incorporation/Registration and Certificate to Commence Business if applicable. The main reasons for re-registration are to improve quality of customer records, facilitate improved levels of services, act as basis for access to variety of online government services including online tax returns, payments, appointments and scheduling and implement a government portal. GCNet was mandated to design, finance, build, operate and transfer an eGovernment System including new applications for both the RGD and the GRA. The aim of the project is to modernize key MDAs computerize business registration, enhance revenue mobilization and provide a citizen-friendly service. To ensure staff are fully equipped, a substantial infrastructure component has been incorporated including a state of the art Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Site as well as equipment for offices across the country including computers, laptops, printers, scanners, generators, UPS and network devices. The Project is expected to improve the ease of doing business including online business registration, online filling of tax returns and payments, integration of VAT and IRS processes and other Online Shared Services In addition to these benefits, the system will support the development of Ghana through enhancing transparency and improving accountability due to integration with the new GIFMIS Financial Management Application at the Controller & Accountant General’s Department and the effective mobilization of revenue. The rollout then goes country-wide to 122 offices within four years. A major component of the project is the issuance of new Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) which will be used as a common identifier for all taxpayers as well as facilitating the way in which RGD and GRA share information.