A Descriptive Analysis of Tax Revenue as a Source of GDP of the Least and Most Corrupt West African Countries.

• In Event: International Accounting 1

Abstract

This study analyzes the contribution of taxes as a source of revenue for the least and most corrupt West African countries. The study compares the tax revenue as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) for African countries perceived as more corrupt and least corrupt. It was found that the least corrupt African countries collected more tax as a percentage of GDP than the more corrupt countries. The top four least corrupt West African countries showed a consistent pattern of higher tax revenue as a percentage to GDP on the basis of their rank in the corruption perception index. The less corrupt the country the higher the tax revenue as a percentage of GDP. The more corrupt nations however showed an inconsistent pattern. This study adds to the literature that supports the notion of eradicating corruption. Since the less corrupt nations showed evidence of collecting more tax than the more corrupt nation.

Authors

• Loretta N Baryeh, Coppin State University

• Hyacinth A Ezeka, Coppin State University