The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to intensify its efforts in recovering outstanding taxes. These taxes are owed by public institutions and businesses, as highlighted in the Auditor-General’s reports. This call for action aims to ensure all due payments are collected promptly.
This directive follows the GRA’s announcement that it had surpassed its tax revenue target by the end of September. The committee specifically tasked the GRA with verifying the exact outstanding amounts. It also instructed the authority to recover payments from key organisations, including the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Water Company, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The PAC’s engagement underscores a persistent challenge in Ghana’s public finance management: the collection of taxes from state-owned enterprises. Such outstanding debts can strain government finances and hinder national development projects. Ensuring compliance from these entities is crucial for strengthening the country's revenue base and fiscal stability.
Abena Osei Asare, the PAC chairperson, commended both the GRA and the Auditor-General for their diligent work. However, she strongly emphasised the need for greater transparency in tax collection processes. She stated that taxpayers should only pay what is legally required, ensuring fairness and preventing arbitrary charges. This statement reinforces the principle of tax equity and accountability.
Officials from the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) attended the recent hearing. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, along with its agencies, is scheduled to appear before the committee next. These engagements highlight the PAC's broad oversight role across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
In a separate session on October 15, the committee met with officials from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, the NPA’s Chief Executive Officer, reported significant progress in addressing licensing irregularities. He confirmed that by May 2026, 93 per cent of affected vehicles had obtained the necessary licenses. The remaining 7 per cent were suspended pending full compliance, demonstrating regulatory enforcement.
The PAC also lauded the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for a substantial repayment. ECG repaid GHS 1.3 billion out of GHS 1.4 billion in outstanding taxes owed to the GRA. This repayment addresses irregularities identified in the 2025 Auditor-General’s Report, marking a positive step towards resolving long-standing financial discrepancies.
Nasir Alfa Mohammed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to regulatory compliance. He assured the committee that individuals and entities violating laws would face appropriate sanctions. These include administrative penalties, reinforcing the importance of adherence to legal frameworks in the petroleum sector.
Madam Judith Adjobah Blay, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, addressed concerns regarding unoccupied office properties in Kumasi and Takoradi. She also outlined plans to raise awareness about pipeline safety and prevent encroachment linked to illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey. The committee urged the company to either utilise or dispose of these vacant properties efficiently.
The PAC's continued scrutiny of public institutions is vital for improving financial discipline and accountability within the public sector. Recovering outstanding taxes and ensuring transparent collection practices can significantly boost government revenue. This will ultimately support Ghana's economic stability and fund essential public services, benefiting all citizens.