The Chamber paid a courtesy call on the Commissioner General (CG) of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Anthony K. Sarpong, on March 14, 2025, at the GRA Head Office. The meeting was an opportunity to congratulate him on his new role and reaffirm the Chamber’s commitment to collaborating with the GRA to address key challenges in the downstream petroleum sector.
During the engagement, the CBOD delegation, led by the Board Chairman Mr. Yaw Koduah-Sarpong and CEO Dr. Patrick Ofori, highlighted some pressing concerns affecting its members, particularly in the areas of taxation and operation.
One of the primary issues raised was the treatment of demurrage costs during tax audits. The concern was the inconsistency in the GRA’s approach, where some officials allow the demurrage costs, and others do not, leading to confusion and difficulties for Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export Companies (BIDECs). The Commissioner General assured CBOD that formal guidelines would be issued to clarify how these costs should be treated in future tax audits
CBOD also highlighted the shortage of GRA-issued seals at depots, which has compelled depots to incur additional expenses to procure seals for the GRA officials. The CG has pledged to address this issue by providing adequate seals to officials on the field to alleviate any further financial burden on businesses.
Another major concern was the constant delays in processing withholding tax refunds and tax credits. The CG acknowledged the delays and explained that recent system automation would expedite tax credit processing, ensuring validated refunds are paid within a week after a tax audit. Members were also encouraged to apply for withholding tax exemptions, which would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Chamber raised concerns regarding the capital allowance cap under the Income Tax Act, especially given the rising cost of vehicles. The CG assured that the capital allowance cap is under review as part of ongoing tax amendment discussions.
In addition, the implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy policy was discussed, with CBOD proposing extended working hours or shift systems for Customs officers at depots to align with the policy.
The Commissioner General reaffirmed the GRA’s commitment to working closely with CBOD to resolve industry challenges. As part of this collaboration, GRA will engage the Chamber on a proposed tax amnesty, organise tax awareness and compliance workshops for CBOD members, and provide clear guidelines on the taxation concerns raised.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to fostering open dialogue and proactive engagement to enhance efficiency in the downstream petroleum sector. CBOD remains dedicated to advocating for its members and working alongside key stakeholders like the GRA to ensure a conducive business environment.
