Ghanaians Urged to Collect Receipts to Strengthen Public Revenue
Taxpayers across Ghana are being urged to demand and retain receipts for all tax payments and tolls as a practical step toward closing loopholes in public revenue generation. The push, led by experts and government officials, emphasizes that accountability starts with the individual citizen. By keeping a paper trail, taxpayers can help ensure money owed to the state is properly accounted for and spent in ways that bolster essential services.
Why Receipts Matter in Public Finance
Receipts serve as concrete proof of payment and a record of transactions that governments rely on to forecast revenue, plan budgets, and monitor public expenditure. “We are all contributing to the loopholes,” said Mrs. Richlove Wiafe Duffour, Chief Accountant at the Mental Health Authority, highlighting a broader culture-of-accountability issue. When receipts are collected, taxpayers create a robust check-and-balance system that makes it harder for leakage, evasion, or misreporting to go unnoticed.
The Loopholes, in Context
Public revenue gaps can arise from a variety of sources: unrecorded toll payments, underreporting of taxable income, misclassification of charges, and inadequate enforcement of receipt issuance. In many cases, the problem is not a single act of fraud, but a pattern of inconsistent record-keeping and weak audit trails that erode trust in the system. Advocates argue that a culture of receipt collection would deter such practices and improve data quality for policymaking.
What Taxpayers Can Do Right Now
Individuals and businesses can take simple, practical steps to participate in stronger public finance outcomes:
- Always request a receipt for every payment—whether for value-added tax on goods, service charges, or tolls on the road network.
- Keep receipts organized—digital copies where possible—to facilitate easy reference during tax filing or audits.
- Cross-check receipts with bank statements and posted toll rates to ensure accuracy and fairness.
- Report discrepancies to the relevant tax authorities rather than letting them slide into an untraceable gap.
- Encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt uniform invoicing that aligns with national tax rules.
Government and Civil Society Roles
While individual vigilance is vital, a broader effort from government agencies and civil society groups is equally important. Authorities can pilot receipt-issuing reforms, simplify tax reporting processes, and publish clear guidance on what qualifies as a valid receipt. Civil society organizations can educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities, while monitoring bodies can track progress in closing revenue gaps and reducing leakage.
Benefits Beyond Compliance
Collecting receipts does more than deter evasion. It improves budgeting accuracy, supports social programs, and enhances public trust in governance. When taxpayers see that their receipts translate into funded schools, clinics, and roads, compliance becomes a shared, value-driven choice. The result is a more resilient economy with fewer distortions and more predictable public services.
Real-World Implications for Ghana
In Ghana, where public revenue is critical for sustaining health, education, and infrastructure, the routine collection of receipts can plug specific gaps in taxation and toll collection. It also strengthens financial transparency, giving citizens a clearer view of how revenue is raised and allocated. While the work of tightening revenue administration is ongoing, stakeholder collaboration at all levels is essential to translate better record-keeping into tangible public benefits.
Conclusion: A Simple Step, Big Impact
Demanding receipts is a straightforward, everyday practice that can yield meaningful improvements in how public funds are generated and used. By participating in this culture of accountability, Ghanaians contribute to a fairer, more sustainable economic environment for today—and for future generations.
