Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has revealed that the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration failed to implement the Emissions Levy despite securing parliamentary approval for it.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Mr. Nyarko explained that while the legal framework for the levy was established, operational challenges stalled its rollout, resulting in zero revenue collection under the previous government.

“The act imposes an emissions levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from specified sectors, internal combustion vehicles, and provides for related matters. Although the legal framework was put in place, the actual operationalization of the levy faced implementation delays. As a result, no revenue was generated from the levy under the previous administrations,” he said.

His statement follows Parliament’s March 26 decision to repeal both the Emissions Levy and the Betting Tax which was widely applauded by businesses and citizens who argued the taxes added financial strain amid economic challenges.

The Emissions Levy, intended to curb carbon emissions and encourage environmental responsibility, faced strong opposition from vehicle owners and business operators who said it raised the cost of living and doing business.