The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has affirmed Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's call for innovation within the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Mr Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of AGI, emphasised the need for digitised systems to streamline GRA's operations, lending support to a plea by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) to the Vice President.

On March 22, 2024, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) issued a plea to stakeholders, notably Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, urging intervention against what they perceive as relentless harassment from GRA.

Citing GRA's manual approach to revenue mobilisation, characterised by extensive audits and counter-audits, the association advocated digitalisation to streamline the processes.

These concerns were raised during a courtesy visit by the Vice President to GNCCI.

In response, Dr Bawumia voiced apprehensions regarding alleged business harassment by the Authority under the guise of tax collection.

He attributed this to GRA's imposition of unrealistic targets on its officers, resulting in excessive taxation of enterprises.

Subsequently, the Ghana Revenue Authority Workers' Union strongly criticised the flagbearer’s remarks on GRA's revenue mobilization methods.

"It is strange that the Vice President, who also doubles as the Head of the Economic Management Team could suggest that the Authority gives itself unrealistic targets while he is well aware that annual targets are assigned to the Authority by the government through the Ministry of Finance", the union's statement read.

Responding to the union's criticism, the office of the presidential candidate clarified that Dr Bawumia did not intend to criticise the GRA but rather encouraged the Authority to explore more innovative revenue mobilisation approaches.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the spokesperson for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, remarked, "He’s [Dr. Bawumia] of the view that the GRA, and not just the GRA, but all other public institutions should be a bit more creative in the way they go about their activities. And he is not only advocating, he has been leading the drive towards it."