“Banks To Start Collecting 20% Tax On Netflix, Spotify, ChatGPT From Tomorrow”— GRA Announces

According to a Post by Kansemtvgh on Facebook Official account on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has instructed banks and payment service providers across the country to begin collecting statutory taxes on selected foreign digital services from October 15, 2026.

The directive was announced by GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong, who explained that the taxes would be collected whenever customers use Ghana-issued bank cards to pay for eligible digital services.

According to Mr. Sarpong, the total tax rate stands at 20 percent. This comprises 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT), 2.5 percent National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), and 2.5 percent GETFund Levy, in line with the VAT Act, 2025.

Speaking in a video shared by JoyNews on October 14, 2026, and monitored by Kansem Media, the Commissioner-General clarified that the arrangement does not introduce an additional 20 percent charge on top of the existing prices customers pay.

He explained that the applicable taxes are already part of the system, adding that the new arrangement provides a more efficient method for collecting the revenue.

Mr. Sarpong further disclosed that approximately 92 companies are already paying VAT to the GRA. Customers using services from these businesses should therefore not expect changes in their prices as a result of the new collection system.

However, the authority has identified around 100 emerging companies that are not currently charging VAT. These businesses will be incorporated into the tax collection arrangement gradually.

The Commissioner-General also stressed that the initial implementation focuses on services rather than physical goods.

He explained that products imported through Ghana’s airports and seaports already attract the relevant duties and VAT at their entry points. Consequently, such goods will not be covered by the initial rollout of the new measure.

The directive is expected to improve tax collection from foreign digital service providers operating in the Ghanaian market.

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