GRA Boosts Revenue and Trust with Staff Training

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has graduated close to 300 officers from its Professional Course in Taxation (PCT) as it steps up efforts to equip its staff with the skills needed in a rapidly changing global economy.

The training, run by the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) Technical Training Unit, focused on modern tax administration, ethics, and technical expertise.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the GRA IT Training Centre, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong emphasized that developing its human capital is now central to the Authority’s transformation.

“If one wants to build wealth for a century or more, they must build human beings,” Mr. Sarpong stated, reinforcing the GRA’s commitment to staff development.

He explained that investing in training and development is key to preparing staff for current challenges and future demands, aligning with the GRA’s people and culture objectives.

Mr. Sarpong stressed the training’s importance in the GRA’s core mission of mobilizing revenue for national development, especially as tax laws and auditing techniques become more complex.

The Commissioner-General challenged the graduating officers to be agents of change and address concerns regarding alleged misconduct by some GRA officials.

“Reports of officers inflating tax liabilities to extort taxpayers must stop,” he asserted. “Staff conduct is crucial in building or eroding public trust.”

He urged the graduates to uphold the GRA’s image by acting professionally, with integrity, and prioritizing the national interest.

Lawrence Hotsonyame, Head of the DTRD Technical Training Unit, revealed that 289 officers successfully completed the rigorous 2025 PCT cycle, out of the 300 who enrolled.

The course comprised three phases: intensive classroom theory, a two-month practical attachment, and a second semester addressing emerging tax issues.

Mr. Hotsonyame noted that the unit provides foundational training for recruits, refresher courses, and specialized programs for key sectors like mining, telecommunications, transfer pricing, and petroleum.

“A knowledgeable workforce is the only way to effectively tackle aggressive tax planning and ensure fairness in tax administration,” he added. Awards were presented to deserving graduates at the ceremony.

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