C-NERGY Flags Half-Billion-Cedi Revenue Leakages, Backs Digital Fixes in Mid-Year Budget Review
Advisory and investment banking group, C-NERGY Global Holdings has raised red flags over persistent revenue leakages at Ghana’s ports, revealing that smuggling of marine gas oil (MGO) alone has drained nearly GH¢500 million in potential tax revenues. The group made the observation in its review of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s 2025 Mid-Year Budget.
The analysis welcomes government’s move to withdraw tax exemptions on MGO, a measure expected to make smuggling less profitable and recapture lost revenues for the state. According to C-NERGY, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems to monitor cargo at ports could be “a game changer” if implemented effectively.
“Digital infrastructure and tighter institutional and legal controls are critical if Ghana is to meet its fiscal targets,” the report noted. “Plugging the leaks in customs duties could unlock resources for critical development priorities, from health and education to road infrastructure.”
For the everyday Ghanaian, these reforms could mean more money available for social programmes and fewer tax hikes in the future. Businesses are also expected to benefit from a fairer playing field as smuggling and under-invoicing are curbed.
C-NERGY, however, cautions that success will hinge on effective execution and monitoring. “If the digital reforms deliver as planned, we have no doubt that the government can maintain its fiscal targets,” the think tank said.
