Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which increases the levy on petroleum products to GH₵1.
The bill was presented by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, under a certificate of urgency. Justifying the amendment, he explained that the energy sector is grappling with an unsustainable debt of $3.1 billion as of march 2025.
“A minimum of $3.7 billion is needed to clean up the overall energy sector’s indebtedness for us to have a clean slate. In the year 2025, the government will require an additional $1.2 billion to procure essential fuel for thermal power generation alone. The power sector risks imminent collapse if these unsustainable debts are not resolved.” he told parliament.
Dr. Ato Forson assured the House that the impact of the new levy on petroleum prices would be neutralised by the strong performance of the Ghana cedi, ensuring that ensuring that consumers would not pay extra for petrol or diesel beginning today.
“Mr Speaker, I repeat, the impact will be absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana cedi, and this will mean that consumers will not have to pay extra for the price of petrol and diesel beginning today. Our simulations suggest that there will be no increase in the ex-pump price of petrol and diesel in the next window, beginning today, if the levy is imposed,” he stated categorically.
The bill’s passage, however, was not without controversy. Members of the Minority Caucus vehemently opposed the measure and staged a walkout during proceedings, accusing the majority of imposing yet another burden on already struggling citizens.
The amendment bill has been submitted to Parliament and is set to undergo the required legislative procedures, including review by the Finance Committee.
