Hon. Minister Of Finance Inaugurates Ghana Revenue Authority Board
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has inaugurated nine-member Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Board.
The board is chaired by Mr. E. E. Kwesie, the rest of the members are; Mr. G. V. Blankson, Dr Kofi Wampah, Mr Larbi, Mr. S. P. Kyei, Ms Jessie Jacintho, Mr. A. Ali Nakyea, Mr Adjei Djan and Mrs. Janet Opoku Acheampong.
The Ghana Revenue Authority Act 2009, Act 791, passed in December last year established the Ghana Revenue Authority to replace the three (3) revenue agencies; Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Valued Added Tax Service(VAT) and Revenue Agency Governing Board (RAGB) Secretariat. This followed the appointment of the Commissioner-General for the Authority in March, 2010.
The GRA Board is responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the authority in the performance of its functions, formulation of administrative policy for smooth and efficient management of the authority, determination of a scheme of service for the staff of the authority and the performance of any other function incidental to the objects of the Authority.
Dr. Duffuor in his brief remarks charged members of the board to pursue excellence and distinction in the performance of their duties in the face of many challenges.
“We should not underestimate the task of forging an integrated authority from three agencies that have operated as autonomous institutions for decades while simultaneously sustaining and improving o the revenue collection efforts.”
The board, he said, would be required to put in place measures to overcome challenges including unprofessional conduct and compromise of integrity which gives rise to collusion with taxpayers to evade tax, corrupt practices and rent seeking by officers.
He added that appointment of GRA board by His Excellency the President, fulfils Section 4 of the GRA Act and underscores government‘s commitment to revenue integration.
He further noted that, by the quality, diversity and rich background of the members, he has no doubt that the board has all it takes to deliver the mandate of Ghana Revenue Authority and added that the members should do all they can to address challenges faced in the revenue collection.
Hon. Duffuor expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing Revenue Agencies Governing Board which acted as the caretaker board for the Ghana Revenue Authority and the tremendous contribution made by the dedicated staff of this Ministry, its departments and agencies, who have worked so hard.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Mr. Adjei Djan expressed appreciation to the government for the honour done them. He said they happen to be the first directors of the Board and would do all they can to mobilize revenue to meet set targets.
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