The Enga Provincial Health Authority (EPH) has paid its tax and becomes the first government entity in the Highlands Region to do so. The PHA is the first government entity in the Highlands Region to lodge its Section 65A Goods and Services Tax (GST) withholding payments, totaling K53,049.04 to the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC). This was done under the leadership of PHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Vincent Pyakalyia and his Deputy Director Finance & Admin, Mr. Bernard Philipae. During the S65A awareness session held at the Malyam Hotel Conference Room, the IRC team covered key topics with the EPH Accounts Division, including:

• How Section 65A GST withholding operates in practice,
• The step-by-step process of remitting withheld GST to IRC,
• Proper record-keeping and reporting requirements, and
• Addressing common compliance challenges faced by government entities.

CEO Pyakalyia acknowledged the leadership issues that have affected EPH in past years but emphasized his commitment since taking office to establish stronger systems and processes and raise compliance standards across the organization. Mr. Freddy Simon, the newly appointed Manager of the Wabag Tax Office received the cheque payments, witnessed by Highlands Regional Director, Mr. Collin Kuti, and the joint IRC inspection team from Port Moresby. Following this, the IRC presented the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate to the EPH, officially recognizing the entity’s compliance efforts. “This is the first of its kind and a significant milestone for EPH,” said Mr. Simon. “It strengthens our partnership and paves the way for improved collaboration and accountability moving forward.” The IRC commended EPH for leading by example, noting that the initiative marks a turning point in transparency, governance, and tax compliance in the Highlands region.