The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has urged the implementation of stringent measures to address rent-seeking behaviors and improve efficiency at Ghana’s ports.
Its 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review titled “A Critical Assessment of the 2024 Mid-Year Budget by ISSER,” underscores the necessity for structural reforms to tackle revenue leakages and enhance tax collection.
ISSER advocates for the harmonization of the number of government agencies operating at the ports to minimize human interaction and revenue losses. This effort aims to reduce rent-seeking activities by the personnel involved in revenue collection.
One of the main strategies suggested is the biennial rotation of personnel stationed at the ports to prevent the establishment of corrupt practices.
The review states, “Harmonize the number of government agencies operating at the ports to reduce the human interface and revenue losses, thus reducing rent-seeking activities by personnel collecting revenues at the port. This can also be achieved by rotating personnel stationed at the ports every two years.”
Furthermore, ISSER highlights the significance of transparency and accountability among Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) staff. The review recommends that GRA personnel complete asset declaration forms to ensure they are not engaging in or forming firms involved in clearing services until five years post-retirement.
This measure is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure GRA staff remain focused on their official duties.
“Additionally, GRA staff should complete asset declaration forms and not engage with or establish firms involved in clearing services until five years after retirement. The ports are major sources of revenue, and sealing leakages can significantly shore up the Tax GDP ratio,” the review continues.
The ports are vital revenue sources for Ghana, and addressing inefficiencies and corrupt practices at these entry points can significantly boost the country’s Tax GDP ratio.
By implementing these recommendations, ISSER believes Ghana can enhance its fiscal health and develop a more transparent and efficient port operation system.
The review’s proposals are part of broader fiscal measures aimed at improving revenue generation and expenditure control to stabilize Ghana’s economy and promote sustainable growth.
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