Ghana’s tax authority has postponed the rollout of a planned increase in energy-sector levies, marking a temporary reprieve for fuel consumers and industry players bracing for higher costs.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it would delay implementation of Tariff Interpretation Order No. 2025/004, tied to the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), following a directive from the Finance Ministry. The move comes after consultations with key stakeholders, the agency said.
The measure, which included a hike in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) on selected petroleum products, had been set to take effect June 16. It will now be held back indefinitely.
Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, said in a statement dated June 13 that a new implementation timeline would be announced “in due course.”
The ESSDRL is part of Ghana’s broader effort to reduce energy sector debt and stabilize public finances. The postponement underscores the balancing act facing the government as it seeks to shore up revenue without triggering backlash from consumers already squeezed by inflation and a depreciating currency.
Source:TheDotNews