Ghanaians Should Brace for 30–40% Hike in Statutory Fees- Patrick Boamah Hints Ahead Mid-Year Budget

Ghanaians may soon face a 30% to 40% increase in statutory fees, according to a caution issued by Patrick Yaw Boamah, Chairman of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee, ahead of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review scheduled for Thursday, July 24.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 23, the Okaikwei Central MP disclosed that the proposed increment in fees forms part of a new Fees and Charges Regulation, which the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to lay before Parliament as part of efforts to strengthen government revenue streams.

“Ghanaians should expect a 30% to 40% increase in fees, as proposed in the new fees regulations set to be laid before Parliament tomorrow by the Minister for Finance,” Mr Boamah wrote. “The proposal is currently before the Subsidiary Legislation Committee for pre-laying consideration.”

The potential hike in statutory fees is one of several measures being considered as part of the government’s broader efforts to boost revenue mobilisation, in line with conditions under the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported programme.

With Ghana navigating a delicate post-debt restructuring economic recovery, the mid-year review is expected to focus heavily on:

• Tax revenue performance
• Expenditure efficiency
• Public debt servicing
• Amendments to levies and charges

Government sources suggest that the new fee structure, if approved, could affect a wide range of public services — including licensing, passport application, court fees, health permits, and educational certifications — though specifics have not yet been published.

The 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, to be delivered by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to provide updates on:

• Ghana’s fiscal performance for the first half of the year
• Revised macroeconomic targets
• Funding gaps
• New policy measures to keep the economic recovery on track

The budget update will also outline how the government plans to stay within the IMF’s fiscal discipline framework while balancing the burden on citizens already grappling with rising living costs.

The proposed hike in statutory fees may spark public concern, especially among citizens and small businesses already facing economic pressures. However, the government argues that without enhanced domestic revenue, critical public services and infrastructure projects could suffer setbacks.

The laying of the new regulations before Parliament is expected to draw scrutiny from both sides of the House, with potential debates over the timing, scale, and social impact of the proposed increases.

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