Govt expects GH¢2.3bn from digital VAT collection system for non-resident platforms

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that government’s new digital platform for collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) from non-resident digital service providers is projected to generate about GH¢2.3 billion in its first full year of implementation.

He said the technology-based initiative forms part of broader reforms aimed at modernising tax administration, improving compliance and expanding Ghana’s domestic revenue mobilisation efforts.

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Dr Forson disclosed that the cross-border digital VAT collection system was successfully piloted in April 2026.

“The pilot confirmed that the system is functional, stable, secure and compliant with regulatory requirements,” he told lawmakers.

The Finance Minister said government is currently working to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to facilitate the full rollout of the system nationwide.

He added that revenue from the digital VAT platform is expected to increase by about 20% annually after the first year of operation.

Dr Forson explained that the introduction of technology-driven solutions in tax administration is central to government’s strategy of improving revenue collection while reducing dependence on frequent tax increases.

He said the initiative would help capture revenue from the growing digital economy and ensure that non-resident platforms operating in Ghana contribute their fair share to national development.