Kofi Ahovi

 Efforts to broaden Ghana’s tax base are being hindered by longstanding challenges within the informal economy, according to a new report titled  “Ghana’s Untapped Economy: Analysis of Tax Compliance Behaviour of Informal Sector Workers in the Greater Accra Region” , by BudgIT Ghana, in collaboration with the Society for Women in Taxation Ghana and the International Budget Partnership (IBP). The study reveals that while many informal sector workers are willing to comply with tax obligations, systemic obstacles continue to block voluntary compliance and limit revenue mobilisation. A major underlying issue is the widespread distrust in government institutions. Many informal workers believe tax revenues are either mismanaged or lost to corruption. This perception has eroded confidence in the tax system and weakened the motivation to contribute. The lack of visible benefits—such as improved infrastructure or essential services—only deepens public scepticism. Beyond issues of gover...

  Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has strongly criticised the government for failing to fulfil its promise of transitioning Ghana’s economy from a tax-dependent model to one focused on production. Speaking at a public forum on “Curbing Illicit Financial Flows Through Accountable Governance: The Role of Media,” Domelevo alleged that instead of reducing reliance on taxation, the government’s policies have resulted in what he described as a shift from “taxation to robbery.” He cited the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) as a key example, arguing that it unfairly burdened citizens and undermined trust in government financial commitments. Domelevo further warned that Treasury bills, a critical investment tool for many Ghanaians, might face similar threats if current trends persist. Recently I remarked that we were promised that this country is moving from taxation to production, but we have moved from taxation to robbery. Now the government is aiming at any money in you...

 In an increasingly digital economy, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been greater collaboration between the private sector and governments in Africa to further the continent’s digital and financial inclusion agenda. Financial inclusion, in particular, is both a pre-condition and a key enabler for meeting many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including reducing poverty, boosting economic growth and promoting market access. To this end various governments, including Kenya and Tanzania, have not only embraced digital transformation but also provided sound and enabling policy frameworks over the years to allow for innovative solutions that empower citizens. For instance, mobile money platforms such as M-PESA have been vital drivers of financial inclusion on the continent. However, government tax policies pose a significant challenge to the sustainability of mobile money services and financial inclusion gains made by these innovations. Vodacom Group’s po...