GRA Hits Pause on Energy Levy Rollout; What Comes Next for Consumers and the Sector?
Ghana’s tax authority has hit the brakes on a controversial fuel levy hike just days before its scheduled implementation, offering temporary relief to consumers and signaling potential policy revisions ahead.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced on Friday, June 13, that the enforcement of Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) No. 2025/004, linked to the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141)—has been put on hold. This decision, the GRA said, was made on the orders of the Minister for Finance after engagements with critical stakeholders.
“Accordingly, the increase in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) for selected petroleum products, which would have to take effect from the 16th of June, 2025, has been postponed,” the official statement, signed by Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, read. “A new effective date will be communicated in due course.”
The move comes just weeks after Parliament approved the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Tabled under a certificate of urgency by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on June 3, the bill sought to impose an additional GH¢1 per litre of fuel to help close financial gaps in the energy sector.
The minister, addressing lawmakers during the bill’s introduction, justified the measure as necessary to avert a looming fiscal and operational crisis in the energy sector. “The energy sector currently poses the greatest economic and fiscal threat to the country,” Dr. Forson warned. “Failure to address its mounting challenges could result in a full-blown crisis.”
Though rushed through Parliament, read, referred, and passed on the same day, the legislation has faced public backlash, with consumer groups and industry watchers questioning both its urgency and long-term impact.
If implemented as planned, the levy would have generated an estimated GH¢5.7 billion annually to help reduce sector arrears, settle legacy debts, and maintain electricity supply stability.
Read the statement below.
