The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is calling on the Ministry of Finance to urgently convene a stakeholder forum to address growing concerns over the newly introduced GH¢1 levy on petroleum products.
According to COPEC, the smooth implementation of the levy hinges on broad stakeholder engagement, particularly with key players like the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), both of whom have voiced strong objections.
COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah warned that rolling out the levy without adequate consultation would be “problematic.”
“The new GH¢1 levy significantly stretches the tax burden on petroleum products, if we do not deepen engagement, implementation will face major bottlenecks. Some assurance is needed so stakeholders can come on board willingly,” Mr. Amoah stated.
Last week, Parliament amended the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), introducing a GH¢1 increase in the Energy Sector Recovery Levy projected to raise an estimated $5.7 billion annually.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) had initially slated the levy for implementation on June 9, 2025, but postponed it to June 16 following industry backlash.
COMAC cited operational constraints, while the GPRTU outright rejected the levy and threatened a service suspension beginning Tuesday, June 10.
Mr. Amoah acknowledged that stakeholder resistance was expected, given the financial impact of the levy, particularly on transport operators and urged government officials to engage them “in earnest.”
He also appealed to the GPRTU to reconsider its planned strike, suggesting a temporary pause to allow room for meaningful dialogue.
“A negotiated path forward is in everyone’s best interest,” Amoah emphasised. “We must ensure that any new tax measures are both workable and broadly accepted.”