In response to Ghana’s recent implementation of a GHS1 fuel levy aimed at alleviating the country’s substantial energy sector debt, energy expert and legal practitioner Kwame Jantuah has advocated for equitable participation. He emphasizes that government officials should not be exempt from this levy, highlighting the importance of shared responsibility in national fiscal matters.
The Fuel Levy and Its Implications
The Ghanaian Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GHS1 tax on every litre of fuel sold nationwide. This measure is projected to generate approximately GHS5.7 billion, intended to reduce the energy sector’s debt, which currently stands at $3.1 billion. An additional $3.7 billion is required to clear arrears fully, with $1.2 billion needed to procure fuel for thermal power generation in 2025 .
Jantuah’s Advocacy for Fairness
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme, Jantuah described the fuel levy as a “necessary evil” to address the mounting energy sector debt. However, he criticized the exemption of government officials, many of whom utilize state-provided fuel coupons, from the levy. He argued that such exemptions create a disparity, placing the financial burden solely on ordinary citizens .
“Are presidential nominees and government appointees buying fuel from their own pockets? If ordinary Ghanaians are being asked to share this burden, so must those in power,” Jantuah asserted. He emphasized that without transparency and fairness, public support for the new levy could quickly erode.
Calls for Transparency and a Defined Timeline
Beyond advocating for equitable contribution, Jantuah expressed disappointment in the government’s communication regarding the levy. He urged the introduction of a sunset clause—a clear timeline for when the levy would be reviewed or phased out. “Ghanaians will not object to this if we know when it will end. We deserve to know,” he stated .
Government’s Assurance
President John Dramani Mahama, upon signing the Energy Sector Levy Amendment into law, assured citizens that all funds raised from the new tax would be used strictly to pay down energy sector debt and improve the country’s power supply
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