Editorial: GRA And Traditional Leaders Collaboration For Revenue Mobilisation Laudable

In a story carried on Page 7 of today’s issue of the paper, we reported that the Board chairman,Joe Ghartey and Commissioner General,Madam Julie Essiam of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have paid a curtsey call on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II to seek the collaboration of traditional leaders to help in revenue mobilisation.

The meeting was a crucial step in GRA’s strategic initiative to engage traditional authorities and stakeholders, to help in building stronger relationships and to emphasise the importance of tax compliance and revenue generation.

By enhancing these partnerships, the GRA seeks to raise awareness among traditional leaders about their role in advancing national development.During their discussions, Joe Ghartey and Madam Julie Essiam explored ways to strengthen collaboration with the Ga Mantse and his Council, focusing on cultivating a culture of tax compliance within the Ga community.

They highlighted the pivotal role of revenue mobilisation in supporting the government’s development agenda and improving livelihoods across Ghana.

Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II welcomed the GRA’s efforts and affirmed his support for promoting tax compliance and revenue generation as vital drivers of development and prosperity in Ghana.Mr. Joe Ghartey and Madam Julie Essiam expressed gratitude to the Ga Mantse and his Council for their warm reception and readiness to collaborate.

The Chronicle finds this Collaboration between traditional authorities and the state in revenue mobilisation a very good one. This strategic initiative by the GRA is not just a move to enhance tax compliance but a profound acknowledgment of the influential role that traditional leaders play in national development.

Traditional leaders like the Ga Mantse are revered figures in their communities. They possess the moral authority and cultural influence that can effectively drive home the importance of tax compliance and its direct impact on national development.

The GRA’s initiative to engage with such leaders is, therefore, a commendable approach that promises to bridge gaps between taxpayers and the authorities, fostering a more cooperative environment for revenue generation.

The discussion between Joe Ghartey, Madam Julie Essiam and Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II centered on building stronger relationships and cultivating a culture of tax compliance within the Ga community. This focus is timely and necessary.

Revenue mobilisation is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is the lifeblood of the country’s development. The Ga Mantse’s endorsement and active participation can significantly influence his community’s perception of tax obligations, transforming a traditionally challenging task into a collective civic responsibility.

This partnership could set a precedent for other traditional leaders to follow, creating a ripple effect of enhanced tax compliance across various regions.

However, this collaborative effort should not be limited to the Ga community alone. It is imperative that other traditional authorities, chiefs, and community leaders across the country be engaged in similar dialogues. The GRA’s strategy should include a comprehensive outreach plan that encompasses all regions, ensuring that the message of tax compliance and its importance is uniformly disseminated.

Furthermore, Christian leaders and other religious figures should also be encouraged to join this initiative. Religious leaders, much like traditional leaders, hold significant sway over their congregations. Their support in advocating for tax compliance can add a powerful voice to the cause.

The collaboration between the GRA and traditional leaders represents a holistic approach to revenue mobilisation. It recognises that effective governance and development are not the sole responsibility of state institutions but a shared duty among all societal stakeholders.

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