Accra: Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, has called on Muslims in the country to fulfill their tax obligations to support national development projects. He expressed his commitment to encouraging Imams across the nation to promote tax compliance within their sermons to Muslim communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, this appeal was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which visited the Chief Imam to seek his support in enhancing tax education. The Chief Imam, through his spokesperson Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, highlighted the pivotal role of tax payments in achieving economic stability, emphasizing the necessity of meeting domestic revenue targets.
Sheikh Sharubutu urged the GRA to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of collected taxes to bolster public trust. He reiterated the community's dedication to supporting tax compliance, viewing it as both a civic duty and a national responsibility.
Brigadier-General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, Commissioner of the Customs Division at GRA, stressed the significance of engaging religious leaders in tax education efforts, recognizing that religious teachings can influence followers to adhere to tax obligations as prescribed by the Quran. He acknowledged the challenges of tax payment but remained optimistic about the Chief Imam's influence in fostering compliance among Muslims.
Dr. Alex Adomako-Mensah, Commissioner for Support Services Division, underscored the crucial role taxes play in economic transformation, explaining that tax revenues fund government spending and development initiatives. He assured citizens of the GRA's dedication to efficient tax collection to secure sufficient national revenue.
During their visit, the GRA Customs Division donated items to support the Muslim community during Ramadan, including 100 bags of rice, cartons of oil, tomato paste, bottled water, and soda drinks. The National Chief Imam expressed gratitude for the donations, offering prayers for the prosperity and peace of Ghana.