The measures are expected to take effect within a week, although the specific levies to be scrapped will only be confirmed after consultations with industry stakeholders and transport operators. Ghana currently imports around 70% of its refined fuel, making the economy highly exposed to global oil price shocks.
Reacting to the announcement, Executive Director of Revenue Mobilisation Africa, Geoffrey Kabutey Ocansey, described the decision as timely and courageous. “This is a very brave decision by government,” Ocansey told Channel Africa on Friday. “It is meant to reduce the burden on consumers and provide relief across the economy.”
He indicated that the first likely move would be the removal of a one‑cedi levy introduced to clear energy sector debt, followed by a review of additional charges depending on global price trends. The tax relief measures will initially remain in place for four weeks, after which they will be reviewed in line with developments in international oil markets.
The government has also announced plans to fast‑track the deployment of 100 metro mass buses to provide affordable public transport, while reinforcing calls for reduced fuel allowances and discretionary spending by public officials.
However, Ocansey warned that the relief measures could expose imbalances within the transport sector. He noted that while fuel prices dropped sharply in 2025, many private operators did not reduce fares and recently attempted to raise them again after prices rebounded.
On longer‑term solutions, Ocansey stressed the need for domestic refining capacity to reduce reliance on imports and improve energy security. “Ghana has an oil refinery and crude resources, yet we still export crude and import refined products,” he said. “This is not only Ghana’s problem. It is an African problem.”
He said the revival of the Tema Oil Refinery is a positive step, though it is not yet operating at full capacity. Ocansey expressed hope that locally produced crude would soon be refined domestically, allowing Ghana to capture full value along the energy chain. “Africa is not poor,” he added. “It is poorly managed. If we refine what we produce and think long‑term, our economies will be more resilient.”
The fuel tax relief comes as several African governments adopt emergency measures to shield households from the ripple effects of soaring global oil prices.
–ChannelAfrica–
