Tax revenue mobilization in Ghana: the role of electricity crises, carbon dioxide emissions, mobile technology and trade openness

Purpose One of Ghana’s economic challenges is low tax revenue despite the need for growing government expenditure. To unearth the drivers of tax mobilization, this study assesses the effect of carbon dioxide emissions, electricity crises, trade openness and mobile technology on tax revenue in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Time series data from 1992 to 2020 was analyzed through regression using the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares, Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares and Canonical Cointegrating Regression methods. Findings Mobile technology, trade openness and foreign direct investment have positive effect on tax revenue. However, carbon emissions and electricity crises have negative effects. Practical implications Addressing energy crises, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and tackling the challenges in the ICT and trade sectors can significantly enhance tax revenue generation. Originality/value This paper fills notable gaps in the tax revenue literature by examining the impact of mobile technology on tax revenue in Ghana. Beyond its contribution to the Ghanaian context, it is the first to explore the effects of carbon emissions and electricity power crises on tax revenue.