Ken Agyapong Urges GRA to End “Harsh” Treatment of Ghanaian Businesses

Ken Agyapong Urges GRA to End “Harsh” Treatment of Ghanaian Businesses

By Ernest Best Anane

Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart and Flagbearer hopeful, has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to overhaul its approach toward domestic entrepreneurs, describing the current stance as “harsh and intimidating.” Speaking during an outreach engagement with party delegates in the Central Region, the firebrand politician warned that the GRA’s aggressive tactics are discouraging investment and hampering the nation’s job‑creation agenda.

He said many Ghanaian businessmen continue to face unnecessary frustration when trying to establish and grow their enterprises.

According to him, the aggressive posture of some GRA officials creates the perception that local business owners are criminals rather than partners in national development. We must stop treating Ghanaian businessmen like criminals.

He added that the excessive bureaucracy and intimidation not only deter new ventures but also undermine efforts to create sustainable employment for the youth. “When people try to build companies in this country, they go through too much frustration. How do we expect to create jobs when the very institutions meant to help are scaring business owners, he questioned.

Mr. Agyapong argued that local firms are already grappling with high operational costs, regulatory hurdles and limited access to capital. Instead of subjecting them to what he called “needless harassment,” he urged the government and state agencies to adopt business‑friendly policies that protect revenue mobilization while nurturing enterprises crucial to economic growth.

He made the remarks amid ongoing debates about the balance between tax enforcement and support for the private sector. Stakeholders have increasingly called for reforms that streamline compliance procedures and foster a more collaborative environment between the GRA and Ghana’s business community.