Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
Renowned Ghanaian playwright Fiifi Coleman has recounted a harrowing experience with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), revealing how his production was nearly shut down over unpaid taxes.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on January 20, 2025, Coleman described how, moments before stepping on stage, he was approached by GRA officials who insisted he sign a letter regarding his tax obligations. Despite being backstage and unavailable, his suggestion for a staff member to sign the document was dismissed.
“They said no, they want me. I told them, ‘I’m about to go on stage. I can’t come.’ Their response was that they would call the police to stop the show because I owed them,” Coleman shared.
The incident left the playwright frustrated, not only with the timing but also with the broader approach to tax collection from the creative arts sector. He criticized what he described as inconsistent tax practices, where some individuals negotiate flat rates with the GRA—a method he claims is not openly taught.
“I just found out that you can negotiate with them and pay a flat amount, but that’s not how we were taught,” he said. “Some very key people don’t pay what we pay. And when your VVIPs are coming to an event, it’s embarrassing to see tax agents at the entrance counting attendees and checking tickets.”
Coleman called for a more artist-friendly approach to tax collection, suggesting an annual assessment based on all productions rather than demanding immediate payment after every show.
“For instance, if the GRA attended all my four shows at the National Theatre in a year, they could assess my total taxes at the end of the year. That way, I won’t have to deal with sudden threats to shut down my company just because I can’t pay in bulk after one event,” he argued.
The playwright’s comments highlight ongoing tensions between the creative industry and tax authorities, with many calling for reforms to ensure a fairer, more supportive environment for artists.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
