The Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has revealed that the previous administration failed to generate any revenue from the Emissions Levy, despite its approval by Parliament.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Nyarko explained that although the legal framework for the levy was established, its implementation faced significant delays.
“The Act imposes an emissions levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from specified sectors and internal combustion vehicles, and provides for related matters,” he said. “However, despite the legal framework being in place, the actual operationalization of the levy did not occur.”
As a result, he noted, no revenue was collected under the previous administration.
Mr. Nyarko attributed the failure to practical challenges that hindered the rollout of the levy, which was intended to curb carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
However, the levy drew criticism from vehicle owners and business operators, who argued it imposed additional financial burdens.
On March 26, Parliament repealed both the Emissions Levy and the Betting Tax, citing concerns about their negative impact on individuals and businesses. The repeal has been widely welcomed by stakeholders.
