The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has once again urged government to simplify and consolidate the country’s complex tax regime as part of measures to ease the cost of doing business.
The Chamber believes that the introduction of a single, transparent Value Added Tax (VAT) rate system will help promote compliance and reduce the administrative burden on businesses.
It further wants the government to review downward the existing tax rates that have contributed to rising production costs for firms across the country.
Government has already indicated that consultations are underway to reform the tax structure as part of the 2026 Budget, in line with broader fiscal consolidation efforts under the IMF-supported programme. However, business associations including the GNCCI say the reforms must go beyond revenue mobilisation to include pragmatic steps that stimulate growth and support local enterprises.
Speaking at the Chamber’s 49th Annual General Meeting, President of the GNCCI, Stephane Miezan, reiterated the Chamber’s key proposals.
“The Chamber wants government to review downwards the already existing taxes, including simplifying and consolidating VAT and all levies into a single and transparent VAT rate, as well as remove the COVID-19 levy which has outlived its purpose,” he stated.
Mr. Miezan added that the GNCCI also wants government to “introduce turnover and employment-based corporate tax thresholds, remove VAT on insurance premiums to enhance accessibility for households and SMEs, and grant a three-year tax holiday for startups to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.”
The GNCCI’s recommendations come amid growing calls from the private sector for a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment to support Ghana’s economic recovery and job creation agenda.
