The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) have reached key agreements aimed at ensuring a smooth implementation of the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), following a joint consultation meeting in Accra.
In a statement jointly issued by the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association on Thursday, January 8, a meeting, held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Ministries in Accra, brought together the Commissioner-General and Management of the GRA, as well as the President and executives of GUTA.
It was convened to deliberate on the impact of the new VAT law, particularly on GUTA members who previously operated under the VAT Flat Rate Scheme, and to address transitional challenges linked to the ongoing VAT reforms.
At the meeting, both parties agreed that all eligible taxpayers, including GUTA members, will be required to charge and account for VAT at the applicable effective rate of 20 percent, made up of VAT, the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), and the GETFund Levy, until the end of the first quarter of implementation, in line with the law.
This arrangement, according to the joint statement, is intended to facilitate the rollout of the new VAT regime while allowing GUTA to relay members’ concerns to the GRA.
The two institutions also agreed to establish a joint technical team made up of representatives from both GRA and GUTA.
The team will focus on resolving sector-specific challenges, including VAT record-keeping requirements, input VAT claims, and VAT computation, and will make recommendations for further review where necessary.
In addition, nationwide education and sensitisation programmes are to be intensified to guide traders through the transitional arrangements and promote compliance with the new VAT system.
The GRA assured traders who previously operated under the VAT Flat Rate Scheme of its full support, pledging to adopt a collaborative approach to ensure a seamless transition.
GUTA, on its part, urged its members to comply with the new VAT law.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to continuous engagement and dialogue, stressing that the reforms are being pursued in the interest of traders, consumers, and national development.
