Beyond the Money: How Tax Policies are Shaping Politics and Society in Africa

Dr. Colette Nyirakamana recently participated in a panel discussion exploring how tax policies shape politics, governance, and societal structures in Africa. The event was co-hosted by the University of Ghana (UG) Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS), the Gender Equitable and Transformative Social Policy for a Post-COVID Africa (GETSPA) project of the UG’s Institute of African Studies, and the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD).

Held at the Cedi Conference Centre, the event brought together leading researchers to examine the multifaceted impacts of taxation beyond its fiscal function. Focusing on recent events such as Ghana’s E-levy and tax protests across the continent, the panel explored how taxation intersects with trust in the state, electoral outcomes, public mobilization, and social dynamics, including gender. This interactive session offered fresh insights into the broader implications of tax policies and their role in shaping public life.

Key Themes Discussed

• Taxes and Trust in the State
  The panel explored how tax collection practices influence public trust in governance and state institutions, emphasizing the role of transparency and accountability.
• Elections and Public Mobilization
  Discussions highlighted how tax policies impact political engagement, from driving public protests to shaping electoral campaigns and voter behaviour.
• Informality
  Panelists addressed the challenges of taxing the informal sector and its implications for economic inclusion and revenue mobilization.
• Gendered Social Relations
  The panel examined how tax policies disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups, particularly in the context of post-COVID recovery efforts.

Speakers

• Prof. Nana Akua Anyidoho – Director, CSPS, and Researcher, GETSPA
• Dr. Kwadwo Opoku – Research Fellow, CSPS
• Dr. Colette Nyirakamana – Research Lead, Local Government Revenue Initiative, ICTD
• Dr. Max Gallien – Research Fellow, ICTD
• Dr. Jalia Kangave – Associate Research Fellow, ICTD

Through discussions and expert insights, this panel showcased how tax policies are not just about revenue but are deeply tied to the fabric of political and social life in Africa.