The Northern Regional branch of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has said it exceeded its revenue collection target by a whopping GH¢7.9million, representing a positive deviation of 30 percent.

Roland Miah, Assistant Commissioner at the Tamale Medium Tax Office (MTO) of GRA who disclosed this at a press soiree in Tamale, said the Authority set GH¢25.8million as target for 2015 but was able to collect GHC33.7million.

This, he said, indicates a clear sign of economic growth within the Metropolis, in spite of the general complaints of economic hardship across country.

He said the GRA developed a strategy to mobilise the funds that included intensification of public education, visits to tax payers’ premises to ensure prompt payment of taxes, as well vigorous pursuit and mopping up of tax areas.

Other measures were the harmonisation of tax regulations and laws to make implementation and application easier and friendlier, as well as boosting work of the revenue mobilisation task force.

He said the Authority in 2016 is targetting GHC42.50million, which it hopes to achieve with the adoption of strategies used in 2015.

He commended the media for their support over the years in ensuring that the programmes and activities of the GRA were brought into the limelight to educate the public.

“The media is regarded by GRA as not only a powerful segment of civil society, but also partners in national development,” he added.

Mr. Miah therefore urged the media to continue with the crusade of educating the public on their need to honour tax obligations. He said it would be heartwarming for GRA if the media could make room for tax reportage.

He noted that one of the challenges confronting the Authority is self-assessment of chargeable income by taxpayers, because the law allows some of them to estimate their own income and pay taxes based on their estimates for the years.

Alhaji Haruna Sachibu, Head of Tamale Small Tax Office (STO) of GRA, said the unit also exceeded its target of GHC16million by 9 percent due to the hard work and cooperation of staff in the region.

He said the STO has targetted GHC21million for 2016, but hopes to mobilise beyond expectations and enable government to use the funds for embarking on developmental projects to enhance the economy.

He said the STO intends to widen the tax net by explaining, identifying and registering 104 new tax payers. The STO, he said, has rolled-out programmes aimed at increasing both filing rate and on-time filing by 66 percent.

“A tax payer service unit has been set up to conduct 606 advisory visits to help improve on the issuance of Commissioner General’s invoices, and the GRA has introduced taxpayers’ electronic point of sale devices to help capture sales made.”

Alhaji Sachibu reiterated the commitment of GRA towards organising quarterly meetings to educate the tax payers on their civic rights and obligations in issues relating to taxation.

Mr. Seth Dwira Chief Revenue Officer, Tamale Sector Commander said the unit has strengthened its barriers in the region to ensure all goods brought to the country pay the right taxes.

He said the unit has four main barriers in the region being Wanjuga, Yendi, Tatale and Bunkprugu ensuring that goods imported from the nearby countries go through the right process.

He bemoaned the high smuggling of vehicles or motorbikes from the nearby countries through the unapproved entry points, and therefore urged the public to cross-check goods bought to avoid any havoc.