No new taxes in 2027 Budget as government moves to improve revenue collection – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says the government will not introduce any new taxes in 2027, opting instead to strengthen revenue collection and improve the administration of existing tax laws.

Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026, he said the government's priority was to ensure that taxes already due were collected efficiently and fairly.

“This 2027 Budget will not introduce any new tax. Our task is to collect what is lawfully due, close the leakages, and make the revenue system work better,” he said.

“Taxpayers deserve clear rules, fair treatment, and timely decisions,” he added.

Dr Forson announced plans to review and modernise several tax laws and administrative frameworks in 2027.

The proposed review will cover the Income Tax Act, the Revenue Administration Act, stamp duty administration and the Communications Service Tax framework.

The government also intends to review customs tariff and duty concessions on selected raw materials, machinery and other inputs to support local industries.

Regulations will also be developed to promote consistent application of the reformed tax laws.

The Finance Minister said Ghana's Double Taxation Agreements would be reviewed in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.

He said the exercise would seek to address tax evasion and treaty abuse while protecting legitimate investment.

The government will also strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms to make tax compliance simpler and less costly for taxpayers.

The planned reforms come amid concerns from sections of the private sector and the Minority in Parliament about the tax burden and the cost of doing business.

The Finance Minister said the government's approach would focus on improving the efficiency of the revenue system rather than introducing additional taxes.

The review of the tax laws and related administrative frameworks is expected to begin in 2027.