Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has called for a more aggressive and proactive approach to tax collection as the government intensifies efforts to boost domestic revenue.
Addressing staff of the Legon Tax Service Centre, Dr. Forson said the era of relying solely on passive tax administration is over. “Revenue must not depend on waiting for taxpayers to walk into our offices,” he told the officers, urging them to take initiative in enforcing compliance and reaching taxpayers directly.
He stressed that tax officials must adopt a hands-on strategy that includes active engagement, field operations and firm enforcement of existing laws. “We must go out, engage, enforce compliance, and collect what is due to the state,” he said.
Dr. Forson also called on officers to take full ownership of their targets and contribute deliberately to expanding the tax net. He emphasised that improving domestic revenue mobilisation remains central to Ghana’s development agenda and essential for sustaining public services.
“Ghana needs the revenue, and the work you do is critical to funding public services and driving national development,” he said, adding that strengthening revenue systems is key to securing long-term stability.
The minister expressed confidence that with greater discipline and commitment, tax authorities can deliver better results. “With focus, discipline, and commitment, we can mobilise the resources required to support growth, deliver essential services, and secure a stronger future for our country,” he said.
The engagement forms part of the Finance Ministry’s renewed push to improve tax performance amid ongoing economic reforms.