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GRA dismisses claims of additional 20% VAT on digital services
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed claims that the introduction of a new digital Value Added Tax (VAT) collection system will impose an additional 20% tax on subscriptions and payments for online services.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Authority clarified that the new system does not introduce a new tax or increase existing tax rates but is intended to improve the collection of taxes already required by law.
It explained that the applicable effective tax rate remains 20%, comprising 15% VAT, 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and 2.5% Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy.
The GRA noted that the taxes already apply to electronically supplied services provided by foreign companies to consumers in Ghana.
It added that about 92 foreign digital service providers are currently registered with the Authority and remit the applicable taxes, while approximately 100 others have been identified for inclusion in the tax system.
According to the GRA, customers who already pay the applicable taxes through their subscriptions should not be charged again when the new collection system takes effect.
However, it cautioned that consumers using services from providers who have not been charging and remitting the taxes could see the applicable charges reflected in their payments as those companies are brought into compliance.
The new system will allow the tax component of qualifying transactions to be identified and collected at the point of payment through participating banks, financial institutions and payment service providers.
The Authority said this would improve transparency and accountability, as the existing system relies largely on foreign digital service providers to declare their transactions and pay the taxes due.
The system will cover digital services such as streaming subscriptions, cloud computing, online gaming and digital advertising paid for through Ghana-issued bank cards, mobile money and other digital payment platforms.
The GRA clarified that the system applies to digital services and not imported physical goods purchased through international e-commerce platforms, which remain subject to the applicable Customs procedures.
It further assured consumers that it would continue to engage banks, payment service providers and digital companies to prevent duplicate tax collection and ensure that customers receive clear information about charges.
Members of the public who notice charges that appear inconsistent with the clarification have been encouraged to contact the Authority through its official channels for assistance and redress.
The GRA said the objective of the new system was to improve compliance, ensure fairness between local and foreign service providers, and ensure that taxes already required by law are properly collected and accounted for.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has appointed Julius Kwame Anthony as a Deputy Communications Director of the party, effective immediately.
The appointment was approved by the party’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC) at a meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
In a press release signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC explained that the appointment was aimed at strengthening its communications team and improving public engagement.
The party expressed confidence that Mr Anthony’s understanding of communication and its strategic use would help strengthen its ability to communicate its policies, programmes and achievements to the public.
It added that he would work with the Communications Directorate and other relevant party structures to advance its communication objectives, particularly in promoting the Reset Agenda under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
The NDC urged media organisations and other stakeholders to recognise Mr Anthony’s appointment and engage him in the performance of his official duties.
The party further identified Godwin Ako Gunn, Kakra Essamuah and Julius Kwame Anthony as its official contact persons for matters relating to the NDC.
Mr Kwetey congratulated Mr Anthony on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the appointment of Emelia Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) by President John Dramani Mahama, questioning her ability to remain politically neutral in the role.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and signed by its National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the party argued that her alleged close association with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised concerns about her suitability for the position.
The NPP claimed that Madam Agbenyo served as the NDC’s governance sector spokesperson during the preparation of the party’s 2024 manifesto.
It alleged that she campaigned for the NDC at rallies and appeared in campaign T-shirts during the party’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The party questioned why President Mahama had appointed her to a senior position at the Electoral Commission less than two years after the election campaign, arguing that the appointment could affect public confidence in the electoral management body ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The NPP recalled comments it attributed to President Mahama in March 2023, when he reportedly criticised the appointment of individuals he described as party activists to the Electoral Commission and called for a constitutional amendment to require parliamentary approval for such appointments.
According to the party, the President’s latest decision contradicts the position he previously expressed.
The opposition party has called on President Mahama to withdraw Madam Agbenyo’s appointment and urged the Council of State to explain the advice it provided on the matter.
It has called for reforms to the appointment process for Electoral Commission members as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.
The NPP further expressed concerns about remarks delivered in an acceptance speech by a person it identified as Mr Asamoah, arguing that the comments appeared to reflect a partisan agenda.
The party maintained that it would use all lawful means to protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system and called on civil society organisations, religious bodies, the media and the public to support its call.
By: Jacob Aggrey
