Energy Sector Levy implementation postponed by GRA

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the the implementation of  Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) No. 2025/004, associated with the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141).

Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong signed a statement dated Friday, June 13, 2025, which says the suspension is in line with instructions from the Minister of Finance after discuss with major decision-makers. The statement emphasized that “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 added that “A new effective date will be communicated in due course. Thank you.” The bill 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.

Consumers were to pay GH¢1 per every one litre of fuel purchased after the Parliamentary approval of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which came into effect in Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, through an expedited process by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance. The Minister elaborated that this aims to tackle energy sector revenue shortfalls and loan repayments.

The bill, titled the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, asked for an increment in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy to bring up another revenue to help in the payment of energy sector debt, reduce legacy debt, and maintain consistent power within the country 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 reason behind the bill, Dr Forson told Parliament that the energy sector stands as the biggest economic and fiscal problem to the country, cautioning that if we don’t tackle its growing problems, it could result in a critical situation. The passage of this bill is expected to come up with another GH¢5.7 billion in revenue yearly to help solve the energy sector’s economic struggles.

Read the statement below:

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