Accra: Mr. Mark Aboagye, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), has emphasized the need for government engagement with the private sector when implementing new taxes and policies. He highlighted this issue following the introduction of a new ‘one cedi per litre’ tax on fuel purchases.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Aboagye expressed that the new tax came as a surprise to the Chamber and its members. The government introduced the bill under a certificate of urgency to impose fresh taxes on all petroleum products. This measure aims to address a US$3.1 billion energy debt as of March 2025. The bill, which passed on June 3, 2025, seeks to generate additional revenue to alleviate the energy sector’s financial strain and ensure consistent power supply.
The Finance Minister explained that a minimum of US$3.7 billion is needed to clear the debt, with an extra US$1.2 billion required for procuring essential fuel for thermal power generation in 2025. Mr. Aboagye criticized the lack of prior consultation, which he believes creates unnecessary tension between the government and the private sector.
He asserted that the intended purpose of the new tax is significant, given the existing energy sector debt that needs resolution. However, he voiced concerns about the timing and rate of the policy, pointing out inefficiencies within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) that burden consumers through additional levies like ESLA.
Meanwhile, the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has called for a shift in focus towards sustainable solutions rather than short-term revenue measures. In a statement by Justice Ohene-Akoto, Executive Director of ASEC, the organization criticized the new tax as a short-sighted measure that fails to address structural weaknesses in the energy sector.
ASEC warned that the proposed tax could exacerbate financial burdens on Ghanaians, impacting inflation, transportation, and overall living costs. The statement stressed that inefficiencies within ECG, such as outdated infrastructure and poor revenue collection, are the root causes of the crisis.
The organization urged the government to prioritize transparency, digital reforms, and operational efficiency before introducing new taxes. ASEC also questioned the use of existing energy-related levies, advocating for proper appropriation and oversight of these funds to ensure they stabilize the energy sector.
The statement concluded by calling for comprehensive reforms in ECG operations, investment in smart metering, and improved regulatory oversight to address the mounting monthly liabilities and prevent further debt accumulation without reforms.