CITG Warns Public: Only We Can Certify Tax Practitioners in Ghana

The Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ghana (CITG) has issued a stern warning to the public, students, employers and all stakeholders to be wary of individuals and organisations falsely claiming the authority to regulate tax practice or issue practising certificates to tax professionals in Ghana.

In a public notice dated 24th June 2026, the Institute reaffirmed that it is the sole statutory body empowered to perform these functions, drawing its authority from the Chartered Institute of Taxation Act, 2016 (Act 916). The Institute said the clarification had become necessary following growing concerns about entities operating outside the legal framework governing professional tax practice.

Under Section 12 of Act 916, the CITG stressed that no person may practise as a Chartered Tax Practitioner or Tax Practitioner in Ghana unless they are duly registered as a member of the Institute and meet all requirements prescribed by law. Any individual or body purporting to grant such certification without this legal backing is acting unlawfully.

The Institute also cited a landmark High Court ruling — Chartered Institute of Certified Tax Accountants, Ghana v. National Accreditation Board, Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana and Attorney-General (Suit No. HRCM 345/15) — which reaffirmed that the regulation of chartered professional disciplines belongs exclusively to the legally mandated body. The court found that the activities of the applicant in that case were inconsistent with Ghana's statutory framework for professional practice.

The CITG further reminded the public that beyond regulation, Act 916 also exclusively authorises it to conduct professional examinations leading to membership and certification as a Chartered Tax Practitioner. It urged all stakeholders to conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with any institution offering tax-related qualifications or practising certificates.

The Institute warned that it would not hesitate to invoke all lawful measures available under Act 916 and other applicable laws to clamp down on unauthorised tax practice, reiterating its commitment to upholding the integrity and professional standards of the taxation profession in Ghana.