The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), which included a controversial GHS1 fuel levy.
Initially set to take effect on June 16, 2025, the levy has now been deferred until further notice. Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed in a statement on Friday, June 13, that a new implementation date will be communicated soon.
The levy, which was passed under a certificate of urgency, has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders, particularly transport unions and opposition lawmakers.
The Minority in Parliament demanded its immediate withdrawal and urged the government to engage in broader consultations.
We’re not asking for a reduction. We’re asking government to withdraw it and listen to Ghanaians,” said MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at a press briefing on June 9.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare questioned the tax’s alignment with the NDC’s campaign promise to reduce taxes, noting that the levy contradicts voter expectations.
Mahama: ‘A Tough but Necessary Call’
President John Dramani Mahama signed the levy into law on June 5, defending it as a “difficult but necessary” step to stabilize Ghana’s struggling energy sector.
Speaking during the signing at the Jubilee House, he pledged that the revenue would be used transparently and directly to pay off sector debts.
“This Act, christened the D-Levy, is temporary and intended to eliminate energy sector debt and prevent further power crises,” Mahama said.
According to the President, Ghana’s energy sector currently bears over US$3.1 billion in debt, with an additional US$1.8 billion needed to fund thermal power generation in the months ahead.
“If left unresolved, this threatens national productivity and industrial growth,” he warned during the National Economic Dialogue on June 4.
Despite the criticism, the government insists the levy is key to unlocking long-term reforms, including power sector restructuring and improved revenue collection.
The delay in implementation follows rising public outcry and indicates a possible shift toward broader stakeholder engagement before rollout.
