GRA records increased revenue mobilisation through new ICT systems

Parliament's Select Committee on Communications has noted the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)has made significant strides in revenue mobilisation with the deployment of new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems, even though some challenges still remain.

The ICT system has enhanced GRA's operations, including revenue collection at the various entry points in the country.

The Parliamentarians noted that there was a jump of 60% yearly revenue growth in 2004, immediately after the deployment of the system.

Subsequently, revenue growth averaged 40% over the next three years. But currently the figure stands at approximately 20% per annum.

These statistics came to light when members of the newly constituted Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications paid a working visit to the Ghana Community Network Services (GCNet), as part of its oversight of organisations that operate within the Communications sector.

The visit was also to afford both the old and new members of the Committee, the opportunity to appraise and familiarise themselves with GCNet operations, which promotes revenue mobilisation and trade development and facilitation through Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Management of GCNet outlined how various IT systems have been deployed to eliminate a number of manual processes which has resulted in seamless processes and electronic data exchange among a number of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and their stakeholders.

Mr. Emmanuel Darko, Deputy General Manager of GCNet however, outlined a number of suggestions on ways to address current revenue mobilisation challenges.

GCNet recommended intensification of automation processes to cover more MDAs to enable expedited transactions that can also be tracked for online or post event reviews.

The IT Company also suggested the elimination of clearance on permit, continuous update of consignment valuation and a strict monitoring of the warehousing regime to limit the warehousing of goods to a maximum period of 3 months.

There was a further suggestion for the expedited roll out of the new automated system developed for the GRA Domestic Tax Revenue Division to cover all key tax offices, especially those in the major commercial towns.