The Gyasehene of Gomoa Wassa, Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene I, has called for tax education to be introduced from the basic-school level to help build a culture of voluntary tax compliance in Ghana.

Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene, known in private life as Noble Francis Essel Okyeahene, is the Director of Young Executive and Onua Francis International School, as well as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Practitioner.

He made the call on the sidelines of the Annual Tax Conference in Accra, where tax experts, policymakers and other stakeholders are discussing reforms to make Ghana’s tax administration more efficient.

Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene was also honoured for his services and contributions to the Chartered Institute of Taxation Ghana (CITG).

Reflecting on his long association with the Institute, he expressed excitement about returning to the organisation, where he previously served as Vice President of the Tax Institute and spent 11 years as a member of the CITG Council.

According to him, educating citizens about taxation is more effective than simply demanding compliance.

“If people understand tax, there would be voluntary compliance. If they don’t understand it, then it becomes anyhow,” he said.

He believes tax education must begin early, with basic and pre-tertiary schools introducing children to the fundamentals of taxation and its importance to national development.

He further proposed that taxation be incorporated into university courses, describing it as a civic responsibility that every Ghanaian should understand.

Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene said tax education should also be practical, helping citizens understand how taxation affects their everyday lives.

He explained that even children participate in the tax system when they purchase goods and services because taxes are often included in the prices they pay.

Everyone pays tax in Ghana

The traditional leader stressed that taxation is not only the responsibility of businesses or workers who earn salaries but concerns every citizen.

“Two things are certain, heaven and taxation. When you are still alive, then you pay tax,” he said.

He noted that citizens pay taxes through various channels, including income tax, corporate tax and taxes on goods and services.

For this reason, he believes parents must also be educated so they can pass proper tax knowledge to their children and help create a more tax-conscious society.

Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene is convinced that when citizens understand why they pay taxes and what the money is used for, compliance will become more voluntary and sustainable.

His proposal comes as Ghana intensifies efforts to improve domestic revenue mobilisation, with authorities seeking to strengthen compliance and reduce revenue leakages.

For Nana Kwesi Essel Okyeahene, the message is clear: Ghana must educate its citizens about taxation before expecting them to fully comply.