Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has welcomed the postponement of the GH₵1 fuel levy by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), describing it as a necessary step to prevent disruptions in the petroleum sector.
Following a closed-door meeting with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), the GRA announced that the levy, originally scheduled to take effect on June 9, will now be implemented on June 16, 2025.
Industry Resistance and Stakeholder Engagement
The decision to delay the levy came after strong opposition from COMAC, which argued that the policy was coercive and operationally unfeasible. The association warned that the sudden implementation could destabilize the petroleum market and place additional financial pressure on businesses and consumers.
Speaking on TV3 New Day’s Big Issue, Edudzi Tameklo praised the constructive engagement between stakeholders, emphasizing that the postponement was a wise decision that prevented a potential industry crisis.
“What this has done is that constructive engagement has helped to avert what would have become an industry problem, and that is why I want to thank the Oil Marketing Companies for agreeing with government that instead of the implementation starting today, June 9, we will postpone it to June 16,” he stated.
Government’s Response to Concerns
Tameklo acknowledged that COMAC had raised legitimate concerns, which were carefully reviewed by the Commissioner-General of the GRA and the Finance Minister.
“We realized that they have raised very legitimate concerns, and once the matter came to the Commissioner-General and the Finance Minister, they noticed that their concerns were perfect,” he noted.
He further explained that the Finance Minister recognized the financial burden the levy would impose on Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and agreed to allow them more time to adjust their finances before implementation.
“The Finance Minister saw wisdom in the concerns they raised and has agreed… We will allow them to put their finances in place,” Tameklo added.
Acknowledging COMAC’s Role
Tameklo expressed gratitude to COMAC for their magnanimity in working with the government to avert a potential industrial action.
“I just want to thank them (COMAC) for their magnanimity in averting a potential industrial action,” he said.
What’s Next?
With the revised date now confirmed, industry players are expected to begin implementing the GH₵1 fuel levy from Monday, June 16. The GRA has assured that compliance measures will be in place to ensure a smooth transition.
As the deadline approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the levy impacts fuel prices, transportation costs, and overall economic activity. Will this measure help stabilize Ghana’s energy sector, or will it spark further debate? Only time will tell.
Baina Multimedia/Khadijahtu Kubura Kailani
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