NON-OIL TAX REVENUE RISES TO 13.1% OF GDP DESPITE ABOLITION OF MULTIPLE TAXES - FINANCE MINISTER

The Minister for Finance, *Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson*, says non-oil tax revenue increased despite government abolishing multiple taxes and introducing no new tax handles in 2025.

Presenting the *Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2026 Budget* in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Dr. Forson attributed the growth to stronger compliance, more effective enforcement, and significantly reduced leakages.

*"Revenue has increased by twenty seventeen percent. Reflected stronger compliance, more effective enforcement and significantly significantly reduced leakages,"* he stated.

Dr. Forson said government also amended the misuse of the tax refund accounts, ensuring that resources intended for legitimate tax refunds were no longer used as a slush fund.

He said non-oil tax revenue rose by *0.5 percent of GDP*, from *12.6 percent of GDP in 2024 to 13.1 percent of GDP in 2025*.

*"Mr speaker, simple quote. Government collected more taxes in twenty twenty-five even after abolishing the new taxes including the..."* he told the House.

The Finance Minister said the results show that better policy, stronger compliance, and smarter administration deliver more sustainable revenue than higher taxes.

*"Right honourable speaker, the lesson here is simple. Better policy, stronger compliance, and smarter administration will always deliver more sustainable revenue than higher taxes,"* he added.