GRA pilots digital tax system to capture E-commerce and online businesses

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced the commencement of a pilot phase for its new online and e-commerce revenue mobilisation system, aimed at expanding Ghana’s tax net in line with the rapidly growing digital economy.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reforms, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, revealed that the system is designed to track, identify, and tax online commercial activities effectively.

The initiative forms part of the Authority’s Digital Taxation Drive, targeting the increasing volume of trade conducted through social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and digital service providers.
The system will integrate with existing GRA data streams to ensure traceability, compliance, and real-time reporting of taxable transactions.

Mr. Sarpong emphasised that the model is being developed to ensure fairness and efficiency while aligning with international standards for digital economy taxation.

In addition to the e-commerce pilot, the GRA is finalising a modified taxation framework for the informal sector, scheduled for launch on November 5, 2025.
Under this model, informal businesses with annual earnings up to GH¢500,000 will be taxed at a flat rate of 3%, simplifying compliance and broadening revenue coverage.

The Commissioner-General expressed optimism that the dual approach — digital inclusion and informal sector reform — will significantly enhance domestic revenue mobilisation and ensure greater tax equity across Ghana’s economic landscape.

The GRA reiterated its commitment to leveraging technology and data analytics to modernise tax administration, support fiscal sustainability, and strengthen the public finance ecosystem in line with government’s broader public sector reform agenda.

This initiative signals Ghana’s shift toward a digitally adaptive tax regime, positioning the country among emerging African economies adopting e-taxation frameworks to secure revenue in the digital era.