The Green Tax Youth Africa (GTYA) is requesting a review of the quarterly increment in electricity tariffs by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the government.
The institute observes the regular increase only deepens the inequality gap and affects lifeline consumers, especially in low-income communities.
In a press statement, Executive Director of the GTYA, Nii Addo, impressed on how the recent utility price hikes and rising fuel costs, disproportionately burden lifeline consumers and undermine household resilience.
He further highlighted how rising fuel prices, influenced by excessive taxes and levies, have cascading effects on transport, commodities, and service delivery.
He is proposing a cap on levies imposed on petroleum products.
“GTYA proposes capping all fuel-related levies and taxes at GH¢1.50 at the pumps on what is already being implemented to provide financial relief and allow citizens to share in Ghana’s oil wealth benefits,” he noted.
The GTYA is advocating for progressive taxation policies that target high-net-worth individuals, including levies on private jet owners, premium flight travelers, and cargo shipping lines.
It says the government must roll-out tax policies that align with proposals from the Financing for Development Conference in held Spain, on June 30, 2025.
The Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is adopting strategic efforts in addressing Ghana’s long-standing revenue mobilization gap in the informal sector.
Over 80% of the country’s revenue potential is tied to this sector, which some tax experts believe could transform Ghana’s fiscal space and development trajectory.
Describing the move as “timely and progressive,” Mr. Addo however urged the government to complement these efforts with critical macroeconomic reforms to shield low-income groups, particularly youth and women, from worsening inequality.
The GTYA is calling on the government to recover every amount looted through illicit means and directing towards public development priorities.
It also wants the government to strengthen regulatory and tax administration systems, increase transparency in beneficial ownership, and ensure strict penalties for multinational tax abuse.
“Ghana loses billions annually through corporate tax evasion, transfer pricing manipulation, and other illicit outflows,” he highlighted how revenues continue to leak.
The GTYA further warned that excessive tax holidays and exemptions, especially to foreign corporations, are draining national coffers.
“These policies must be rationalized and tied to clear socio-economic return indicators, including job creation, skills transfer, and local content participation,” Nii Addo indicated.
He concluded by urging CSOs, academia, private sector leaders, and international development partners to support the government in building a more equitable and resilient fiscal framework, grounded in justice, efficiency, and sustainability.
“The true measure of sound economic policy is its impact on the pockets of ordinary people. If citizens do not feel relief within six months of implementation, we must return to the table and revise our strategies. Ghana must rise to the moment,” Mr. Addo stated.
