The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has commended the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) for the constructive engagement that led to the postponement of the controversial GH¢1.00 Energy Sector Levy.
Originally scheduled to take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025, the levy will now be implemented from June 16, following intense stakeholder discussions over the weekend. The GRA’s decision to shift the timeline came after COMAC strongly objected to the original implementation schedule, citing operational and financial impracticalities.
“Constructive engagement has helped to avert what would have become an industry problem.
“That is why I want to thank the Oil Marketing Companies for agreeing with the government that instead of the implementation starting on June 9, we will postpone it to June 16.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
The Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL), as passed under the Energy Sector Levies Amendment Act 2025 (Act 1141), seeks to raise GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue to help pay down the country’s energy sector debt, which stood at US$3.1 billion as of March this year.
COMAC, the industry body representing Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) across Ghana, had earlier released a strongly worded letter on June 8 objecting to the GRA’s directive.
Following the backlash, the GRA, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, convened a closed-door meeting with COMAC to discuss the issues raised.
“We realized they [COMAC] raised very legitimate issues.
“Once the matter came to the attention of the Commissioner-General and the Finance Minister, they saw the wisdom in the concerns and have agreed to give the industry players time to put their finances and operations in place.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
Avoiding Industry Disruption
According to Mr. Tameklo, the original June 9 start date, if enforced, could have led to disruptions in the downstream petroleum sector, potentially triggering supply shortages or price confusion across fuel stations nationwide.
He noted that the delay in implementation was not a defeat of government policy but a victory for transparent governance and responsive leadership.
“I just want to thank them (COMAC) for their magnanimity in averting a potential industrial action.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
By securing a one-week extension, OMCs now have time to adjust pricing models, communicate with customers, and ensure compliance with the levy without jeopardizing their financial stability or alienating consumers already grappling with inflationary pressures.
The levy, while controversial, is a central part of the government’s broader strategy to restore liquidity to Ghana’s ailing energy sector.
According to the Ministry of Finance, over US$1.2 billion is also needed this year to ensure fuel supply for thermal generation—an amount not currently reflected in electricity tariffs, thereby creating funding gaps that threaten national grid reliability.
The NPA Boss maintained that financial reforms are essential to ensuring long-term energy security, but insists that implementation must be balanced with stakeholder realities.
“This is not just about collecting more money.
“It’s about creating a viable ecosystem where electricity producers, fuel suppliers, and marketers can all function sustainably.”
Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
The successful postponement of the levy has been widely praised by both industry observers and energy policy analysts as an example of governance by consensus, rather than imposition.
As Ghana works to resolve its complex energy sector financing challenges, the NPA has called for continued collaboration, accountability, and transparency across all stakeholders—from regulatory authorities to fuel retailers.
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