Levy Dispute Heats Up: Mines Chamber Petitions Parliament, Denies GRA Claim—The Ghana Chamber of Mines has officially petitioned Parliament‘s Finance Committee to reconsider the proposed increase in the Growth and Sustainability Levy from 1% to 3% as outlined in the 2025 Budget.
This petition contradicts the recent claim by the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Sarpong, who suggested that mining companies had accepted the hike “with a smile.”
The GRA boss following the announcement of the levy hike in the 2025 budget insisted that broader stakeholder engagement was undertaken before the introduction. He maintained that all the stakeholders consulted gave their support and hence the decision of the government.
But in a turn of events, the Chamber of Mines is raising questions about the levy as they claim it can threaten the long-term sustainability of the sector. In view of that the Chamber has engaged the Finance Minister, the Minerals Commission, and other key stakeholders, arguing that the increase could significantly impact investment, operations, and job security in the industry.
CEO of the Chamber, Sulemana Konney emphasized the need for balance, acknowledging Ghana’s economic difficulties but warning against fiscal measures that could destabilize the mining sector.
They are therefore calling on the authorities to relook at the levy in the interest of the sustainability of the country’s mining sector which currently needs huge investment.
He further noted that the mid-year budget review presents an opportunity for policymakers to reassess the levy’s impact based on real-time economic data.
The Chamber’s opposition to the levy increase highlights growing concerns over Ghana’s taxation policies on the extractive sector. While the government seeks to boost revenue amid fiscal constraints, industry leaders warn that excessive tax burdens could discourage foreign investment and reduce the competitiveness of Ghana’s mining industry.
The contrasting positions between the Chamber of Mines and the GRA boss raise questions about the nature of prior engagements between the government and industry stakeholders. If mining companies were indeed consulted and accepted the levy adjustment, as the GRA boss claims, why has the Chamber now taken the step of petitioning Parliament?
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the government will yield to the Chamber’s concerns or push ahead with the tax hike in its bid to improve revenue collection.
Last Updated on March 24, 2025 by Senel Media
