The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced a new tax regime that is expected to bring significant relief to players in Ghana’s cultural and creative industries.
The revised system, which takes effect in September 2025, introduces a more flexible taxation structure that exempts some creative entrepreneurs from mandatory Value Added Tax (VAT) registration.
The announcement was made by Victor Yao Akogo, Chief Revenue Officer at the GRA, during the 7th edition of Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable held on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The event, themed “GRA Vs. Creatives – Taxation and the Future of Ghana’s Creative & Digital Economy”, brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders including musicians, event organisers, DJs, MCs, fashion designers, film makers, bloggers, YouTubers, comedians, and visual artists.
Explaining the new system, Mr. Akogo said:
- Creative entrepreneurs making an annual turnover of up to GH₵20,000 will now pay only 3% of their turnover as tax, and will not be required to register for VAT.
- Those earning above GH₵200,000 annually will, however, still be required to register and account for VAT.
He clarified that VAT on entertainment events is not a penalty on organisers, but rather a levy on consumers. “The VAT charged on entertainment events is money collected on behalf of patrons, who are the actual consumers of the content,” he said, stressing that whether events are ticketed or not, organisers must remit the VAT component.
Mr. Akogo urged creative entrepreneurs to register their businesses with the GRA to ensure eligibility for available tax reliefs and to avoid penalties. He emphasized that the modified tax framework is designed not to stifle creativity but to support the industry while ensuring compliance and accountability.
The roundtable provided a platform for dialogue between the GRA and the creative sector. Another GRA official, Isaac Kobina Amoako, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of the GRA IT Training Centre, also engaged participants on the technicalities of tax compliance in the digital economy.
Industry voices included:
- Kojo Poku, Vice President of the Event and Meeting Professionals Association of Ghana
- Francis Doku, CEO of Maestro Africa Group
- Robert Klah, Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse
- Latif Abubakar, playwright and CEO of Globe Productions
- Nana Asaase, poet and literary coach
- Lekzy DeComic, comedian
These stakeholders shared their concerns and experiences with taxation, while also welcoming GRA’s efforts to make taxation more adaptable to the realities of Ghana’s creative economy.
The creative industry, which plays a vital role in job creation, cultural preservation, and economic development, has often raised concerns about excessive taxation and lack of tailored policies. The new tax regime signals a more collaborative approach between government and creatives, with the potential to ease financial burdens and encourage formalisation of businesses.
By easing VAT requirements and creating a fairer tax environment, the GRA hopes to foster compliance while supporting the growth of Ghana’s creative and digital economy.
