ECG and 9 State Institutions Owe Over ¢3bn in Unpaid Taxes, Driving Record Irregularities

Record Irregularities Driven by Unpaid Taxes

Ghana's public sector institutions accumulated a record GH¢5.2 billion in financial irregularities during 2025, more than triple the five-year average and a 156% jump from 2024, according to the Auditor-General's latest report. Critically, over half of this figure—approximately GH¢3 billion—stems from outstanding tax obligations owed by just ten state institutions during 2024.

Tax-related irregularities accounted for roughly 92% of all irregularities identified, totalling GH¢4.8 billion. This underscores a compliance crisis within Ghana's public enterprises, even as government pushes domestic revenue mobilisation reforms across the broader economy.

ECG's ¢1.4bn Tax Bill Leads Defaulters

The Electricity Company of Ghana holds the largest outstanding tax liability at approximately GH¢1.4 billion—nearly half of the total unpaid taxes among the ten institutions. Ghana Airports Company Limited follows with GH¢430 million, whilst Produce Buying Company Limited owes roughly GH¢330 million. Other major defaulters include GIHOC Distilleries, Tema Oil Refinery, AirtelTigo Ghana and Graphic Communications Limited.

Beyond tax irregularities, the report documented smaller breaches across other categories: cash irregularities reached GH¢410 million, contract irregularities totalled GH¢3.3 million, and payroll issues accounted for GH¢19 million. Yet these pale against the scale of unpaid tax obligations.

The findings highlight a significant weakness in public sector tax compliance, raising questions about how state-owned enterprises can meet their obligations whilst government simultaneously strengthens revenue collection mechanisms nationwide.