Taxpayers Called to Demand Receipts to Strengthen Public Revenue
Ghanaians are being urged to consistently demand and collect receipts for all tax payments and tolls as a practical measure to close holes in the country’s public revenue system. The appeal comes from Mrs. Richlove Wiafe Duffour, Chief Accountant at the Mental Health Authority, who emphasized that revenue integrity starts with everyday accountability at the point of sale and service.
Why Receipts Matter in Public Revenue
Receipts are more than proof of payment; they are essential data points that enable taxpayers, revenue authorities, and auditors to track, verify, and reconcile government income. According to Duffour, “We are all contributing to the loopholes,” underscoring that lax habits in requesting or retaining receipts can subtly erode fiscal discipline. When receipts are consistently issued and kept, it becomes easier to detect discrepancies, prevent duplicate charges, and reduce tax evasion and misclassification of tolls.
From Tax to Toll: The Broad Reach of Receipts
The call to collect receipts covers a broad spectrum of public finance interactions—from income tax and value-added tax to road tolls and service charges. In many settings, gaps emerge where receipts are not routinely issued or archived, creating an environment that can foster ambiguities in revenue records. Duffour’s message aligns with ongoing calls for stronger cash-control practices across public and private sectors, ensuring every transaction contributes accurately to the national ledger.
Transforming Individual Actions into Systemic Gains
While policy reforms and robust taxation laws play a crucial role in improving public revenue, the daily habits of taxpayers can significantly influence outcomes. Collecting and retaining receipts provides individuals with tangible proof of compliance and helps authorities compile reliable revenue data. This, in turn, supports better budgeting, reduces the risk of underreporting, and strengthens the country’s financial resilience during economic fluctuations.
Practical Steps for Citizens
To participate actively in closing revenue gaps, citizens can adopt several straightforward practices:
– Always request a receipt for every tax payment and toll transaction.
– Store receipts securely, whether digitally or in physical form, for future reference and audits.
– Review receipts for accuracy, ensuring amounts, tax codes, and dates align with records.
– Report missing receipts or irregular charges to the appropriate authority promptly.
Government and Public Sector Roles
Beyond individual responsibility, authorities must strengthen the infrastructure that supports transparent revenue collection. This includes ensuring reliable receipt issuance at point-of-sale terminals, integrating digital receipts into taxpayer accounts, and conducting routine audits to identify and address inconsistencies. By fostering a culture where receipts are standard practice, Ghana can improve its revenue collection efficiency and public service delivery.
A Collective Effort Toward Economic Stability
Duffour’s commentary highlights a shared stakes approach: a nation benefits when both citizens and officials uphold accountability. When taxpayers demand receipts and agencies respond with clear, verifiable records, the public finances become more predictable, enabling better investment in health, education, and infrastructure. This is especially important in contexts where public revenue supports critical services and social programs that touch every Ghanaian family.
Conclusion: A Simple Step with Broad Impact
Collecting receipts may seem a minor habit, but it has the potential to close expensive loopholes in public revenue generation. By embracing this simple discipline, Ghanaians can contribute to a more transparent tax environment, stronger fiscal management, and a more resilient economy. As Mrs. Richlove Wiafe Duffour reminds us, everyone has a role to play in ensuring that tax and toll payments genuinely add to national development.
