Accra: The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has called on the Ministry of Finance to organize a stakeholder forum to address concerns regarding the newly introduced petroleum levy. COPEC aims to ensure a smooth implementation process for the levy.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of COPEC, has expressed concerns that enforcing the GHS1 levy on all petroleum products may prove ‘problematic’ if the issues raised by stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), are not addressed. Mr. Amoah emphasized the importance of stakeholder acceptance for the successful compliance with the levy.

In a recent interview, Mr. Amoah highlighted that the levy is expected to ‘stretch the tax stream’ on petroleum products, and further engagement with stakeholders is crucial to avoid implementation challenges. He noted that the concerns from certain stakeholders suggest a lack of sufficient dialogue and called for more assurance to gain their wholehearted acceptance of the levy.

The Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) was amended by Parliament last week to introduce a GHS1 increase in the Energy Sector Recovery Levy, which is expected to generate $5.7 billion annually. Initially, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) planned to implement the levy on June 9, 2025, but postponed it to June 16, 2025, following objections from COMAC, which deemed the timeline too short and ‘not operationally feasible.’

The GPRTU has rejected the levy and threatened to halt services starting June 10, 2025. Mr. Amoah described the GHS1 levy as significant and anticipated various reactions from stakeholders. He stressed the need to engage transport operators, who are likely to be most affected, in meaningful discussions.

Mr. Amoah also urged the GPRTU to reconsider their strike action and allow space for negotiations, aiming for a resolution that accommodates all parties involved.