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Check inefficiencies in tax system – Prof. Bokpin
A Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Prof. Godfred Alufar Bokpin, has advised government to check inefficiencies in the country’s tax system as it mobilises more revenue for development.
He said leakages in the system exceeded total revenue accrued to government but there could be more earnings when the loopholes were plugged.
Speaking on the sidelines of a SEND Ghana multi-stakeholder forum last Wednesday in Accra, Prof. Bokpin urged the government to focus on collecting more direct taxes instead of introducing indirect taxes that burdened the poor.
He noted there was “considerable room to collect more taxes without burdening the faithful few and without introducing fresh taxes” such as the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy).
He again called on the government to reconsider various tax exemptions granted foreign entities to the detriment of local businesses.
The forum on the “Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index Report” was to discuss the state of inequality in Ghana and propose measures to address existing challenges.
The CRI report put together by Oxfam International, recommends that all governments “adopt strong anti-inequality policies on public services, tax and labour rights, to radically reduce the gap between rich and poor.”
The Economist, in a presentation, asserted that inequality in the country was at “crisis level” and affecting the ability of government to improve the wellbeing of Ghanaians.
He said that the worsening inequality gap was a security threat and steps must be taken to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
“The fact that a few Ghanaians are well to do but majority of Ghanaians go to bed not knowing where their next meal will come from makes it unsafe for all of us. Until every Ghanaian is okay, no Ghanaian is okay,” he said.
He noted society could become conducive for everyone if government checked public sector spending while improving the education, health and social protection sectors.
Citing connivance between tax officials and tax payers as contributing to revenue losses in the country, he further observed that government social intervention initiatives were one of many channels through which corruption was perpetuated.
He insisted that the growing poverty in the country is “fueling anxiety and causing people to cut corners,” hence the need for government to create equal and conducive environment for all.
Dr. George Domfe, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana also stressed the need to improve upon existing economic structures as interest payment on loans procured by government continued to impact the economy negatively.
He said the regressive nature of the country’s tax system must be addressed as the government focused on production instead of consumption to help attain the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda.’
By Ernest Nutsugah
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) says it generated US$1.011 billion in foreign exchange from its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold trade operations in October 2026.
According to the GoldBod, the entire amount was sold to authorised commercial banks through its GoldBod GoFX platform to support stability in the foreign exchange market.
In an announcement issued on Monday, November 2, the Board projected to generate US$1.2 billion in foreign exchange from its ASM gold trade operations in November.
It added that US$800 million of the projected amount would be made available to commercial banks to support foreign exchange market stability.
GoldBod said the sales would be conducted through its GoFX platform in line with the approved FX Sales and Intermediation Framework to ensure transparency, fairness and regulatory compliance.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to generating foreign exchange for the country and supporting the Bank of Ghana’s foreign reserve accumulation under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP).
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
