Gov`t calls on revenue agencies to exhibit highest standards of integrity

The government has passionately called on the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Value Added Tax (VAT) all members of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to exhibit the highest standards of integrity, discipline and governance in their operations.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor made this call in a speech read for him in Accra, over the weekend.

He warned the revenue agencies that “There should be no excuses, there should be no ifs and there should be no buts.

In a world where financial systems are increasingly being globalised and integrated, we can not afford to be complacent or even wait”.

Dr. Duffuor told members of the GRA that integration would enable them have a comprehensive picture of their taxpayers, with respect to both internal and external transactions.

As a major stakeholder, government will continue its efforts to create the right environment for revenue to administration and compliance, within a framework of dialogue, cooperation and mutuality of purpose, he emphasized.

According to him, the government expects revenue institutions to deepen their commitment to implement an efficient and fair tax system through improved processes, sound corporate governance, and better compliance through modern risk management techniques.

Instructively, the integration of the country's tax system is a key policy measure in the ruling NDC's manifesto. Hence, in the 2009 budget, the government reiterated its determination to create an integrated tax system.