Consumers will now pay an additional GHC 1 per litre for petroleum products to help address shortfalls and repay debts in the energy sector. This decision came after Parliament approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Tuesday, June 3, under a certificate of urgency. The implementation of this levy is expected to generate an extra GHC 5.7 billion in annual revenue to alleviate the financial challenges facing the energy sector.
The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that the energy sector’s total indebtedness stands at US$3.1 billion as of March 2025. He further explained that a minimum of US$3.7 billion is required to fully clear this debt, with an additional US$1.2 billion needed to procure essential fuel for thermal power generation throughout 2025.
The Minister assured Parliament that the impact of the new levy on ex-pump prices would be “absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi”, meaning consumers would not experience an immediate price hike. The Minority opposed the bill, after describing it as an inappropriate burden on Ghanaians. They staged a walkout during the approval process to register their displeasure.
By: Laud Nartey
