GRA postpones implementation of Energy Sector Levy

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the rollout of Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) No. 2025/004, which relates to the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141).

A statement signed by the Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong and dated Friday, June 13, 2025, said the suspension follows a directive from the Minister of Finance after consultations with key 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 statement read.

"A new effective date will be communicated in due course. Thank you," it added.

Background

Consumers were going to pay GH¢1 per every one litre of fuel purchased following the Parliamentary approval of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was introduced in Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, under a certificate of urgency by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

The Minister explained that this is to help address energy sector shortfalls and debt repayment.

The bill, titled the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, asked for an upward adjustment in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy to raise additional revenue to support the payment of energy sector arrears, reduce legacy debt, and ensure stable power supply across the country.

It was formally read for the first time in the House and was immediately referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report. It was later approved same day it was introduced.

Explaining the rationale behind the bill, Dr Forson told Parliament that the energy sector currently posed the greatest economic and fiscal threat to the country, warning that failure to address its mounting challenges could result in a full-blown crisis.

The passage of this bill is expected to generate an additional GH¢5.7 billion in revenue annually to address the energy sector’s financial woes.

Read statement below.