GRA donates food items, cash to National Chief Imam for Ramadan

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has donated assorted food items and cash to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, in support of this year’s Ramadan observance.

The items included 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of oil, 20 cartons of mackerel, 30 cartons of bottled water, and an amount of GH¢20,000.

The donation was presented by the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, together with the Deputy Commissioner and other officials, including CPA Elsie Appau-Klu, Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General; Akwesi Baafi Wiafe, Personal Assistant to the Commissioner-General; Nana Birago, Acting Deputy Commissioner (Suspense Regime); and Shaibu Musah, Head of Procurement.

Rationale

Mr Sarpong said the gesture was to commemorate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

According to him, Ramadan is a period that promotes kindness and generosity, which informed the Authority's decision to support the Muslim community.

He explained that the donation recognised the spiritual significance of Ramadan as a time devoted to service to God and humanity.

Mr Sarpong added that the mandate of the Authority, which centres on mobilising revenue for national development, aligns with the values of sacrifice and service emphasised during the fasting period.

“As you all know, we are in the month of Ramadan, a holy period during which we are called to dedicate ourselves to the service of God and mankind”

“ At GRA, we say'Ghana first.' We serve the nation and raise revenue for national development. What we do aligns with this period of fasting observed by our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he added

He said the visit was also to demonstrate compassion and solidarity with Muslims, particularly as the fasting season draws to a close.

“We came with a few food items and a cash donation through the holy hands of the Chief Imam, to support our brothers and sisters who are fasting,” he said.

Mr Sarpong further appealed to the Chief Imam to offer prayers for the nation, the leadership of the Authority and the government.

He specifically requested prayers for the administration of John Dramani Mahama, as well as the GRA’s management and board, to enable them to effectively deliver on their mandate.

He emphasised that improved revenue mobilisation remained critical to supporting the government’s development agenda and ensuring national progress.

Peace

The National Chief Imam urged Ghanaians to uphold peace, unity and humility as essential values for national development.

He said all human beings shared a common origin and should live in harmony, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.

He further urged Ghanaians to demonstrate kindness, good conduct and mutual respect, stressing that true pride should be based on righteousness and obedience to God rather than background.

Appreciation

Speaking to the media on behalf of the Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, expressed gratitude to the Authority for the gesture.

He noted that the presence of the Commissioner-General underscored the importance of the relationship between the GRA and the Muslim community, particularly in the area of taxation.

According to him, the GRA remains a critical institution in Ghana’s development, responsible for mobilising internal revenue to drive national growth.

He added that the Muslim community plays a key role in commerce and business, making tax compliance an essential responsibility.

“This donation is not only about support during Ramadan, but also about strengthening collaboration between the Chief Imam’s office and GRA to educate the Muslim community on the need to honour their tax obligations,” he said.

Mr Shaibu stressed that improved tax compliance would contribute to economic stability, reduce the need for excessive borrowing, and promote prosperity and well-being for all citizens.

He further indicated that the Chief Imam’s office stands ready to support public education campaigns on taxation by deploying qualified members of the Muslim community to communicate effectively in various local languages, including Hausa, Wala and others widely spoken among Muslims.

“We are ready to work together with GRA to ensure that revenue targets are not only met but exceeded,” he said.