ISSER tasks government to explore other ways to raise revenue

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) is asking government to find alternative ways of raising revenue to reduce over-dependence on traditional cocoa and other agricultural commodity export.

Director of the Institute, Professor Felix Asante, mentions specifically broadening of the tax net to cover people outside government payroll.

According to him, high government expenditure and increasing demand for remuneration by workers are making difficult to run its business and provide social services.

He cites the National Identification Programme as one manageable means to ensure equitable taxation of Ghanaians.

The ISSER Director observes though poverty indicators show positive results, the situation on the ground proves otherwise.

At a workshop in Kumasi to discuss a report on the Ghanaian economy for 2012, Professor Asante pointed out agriculture must be ran as business and not allow the fate of peasant farmers to be determined by the weather.

Agriculture accounted for about 50 per cent of national employment and a little over 22 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2012.

The sector registered a 1.3 per cent growth, compared to 0.8 per cent rate of 2011, but below the target of 4.8 per cent.

Participants at the workshop believe if much is done, the Ghanaian economy would grow.