Parliament has passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, approving a GHS1 increase on the levy imposed on petroleum products.
This is expected to raise an estimated GHS5.7 billion in additional revenue. According to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the funds will be used to ease the country’s mounting energy sector debt and secure fuel for thermal power generation.
Dr. Forson told Parliament on Tuesday June 3 that Ghana currently owes $3.1 billion in energy-related debt, with a total of $3.7 billion needed to clear the arrears.
He also said an additional $1.2 billion is required to purchase fuel for power production in 2025.
He assured lawmakers that the tax increase would not affect the ex-pump price of fuel, citing recent improvements in the performance of the local currency.
However, the bill’s passage was met with resistance from the Minority Caucus. Members walked out during the vote, arguing that the Majority side lacked the quorum necessary to legally approve the measure. The Minority also criticized the levy as ill-timed and burdensome for Ghanaians.
Source: Channel1news
