New GRA tax policy aims to reduce burden on creative professionals
The initiative was outlined by Chief Revenue Officer Victor Yao Akogo during the seventh edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable, held on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
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A new tax approach introduced by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is expected to ease the financial responsibilities of creatives across various sectors.
The initiative was outlined by Chief Revenue Officer Victor Yao Akogo during the seventh edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable, held on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
The revised framework introduces updated turnover thresholds for tax obligations and provides exemptions from VAT registration for lower-earning creatives.
“There is a modified taxation coming this September. The modified taxation seeks to let us know that when you are making an annual turnover of up to GH₵20,000 you pay 3% of it a year as tax on your turnover. And you are not expected to register for VAT. If your turnover is above GH₵200,000 then the law enjoins you to register for VAT,” he explained.
Chief Revenue Officer Akogo further elaborated that VAT applied to entertainment events functions as a charge on behalf of the audience, who are considered the end users. He added that the obligation to pay VAT applies irrespective of whether an event charges admission or not.
He also encouraged stakeholders within the creative economy to properly register their enterprises with the GRA in order to access any applicable tax benefits
The forum, themed “GRA Vs. Creatives – Taxation and the Future of Ghana’s Creative & Digital Economy”, convened a wide range of stakeholders, including event producers, DJs, emcees, artiste handlers, digital content creators, YouTubers, musicians, filmmakers, fashion entrepreneurs, visual artists, dancers, stand-up comedians, and other professionals in the creative economy. Officials from the GRA attended the event to provide insights and interact with attendees regarding how tax laws influence their industry.
Also speaking at the event was Chief Revenue Officer Isaac Kobina Amoako, who serves as Head of the GRA IT Training Centre.
Industry personalities who contributed to the discussions included Kojo Poku, Vice President of the Event and Meeting Professionals Association of Ghana; Francis Doku, Chief Executive Officer of Maestro Africa Group; Robert Klah, Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse; Latif Abubakar, playwright and CEO of Globe Productions; Nana Asaase, poet and literary mentor; and Lekzy DeComic, a comedian, among others.
