Energy Sector Players Demand Accountability on GH₵1 Fuel Levy
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Energy sector stakeholders are calling on government to account for proceeds from the GH₵1-per-litre Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy and to take decisive steps to address persistent revenue and supply shortfalls.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on July 16, 2025, directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to begin charging the levy on refined petroleum products. The measure was introduced to raise additional revenue to fund fuel purchases for thermal power generation and to clear outstanding debts within the energy sector.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has therefore called for transparency and accountability in the management of the levy.
Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, said the government must provide an update during the presentation of the 2026 Budget, while prioritizing investments that would strengthen Ghana’s energy security.
“So far, the economy seems to have adjusted to accommodate the levy. Whatever needs to be done to consolidate it, we want to see it consolidated. But the tax must also be accounted for, and we expect the Finance Minister to capture it in the budget,” he said.
He further urged the government to commit resources toward the establishment of a second gas processing plant to complement the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant.
“Whatever plans the Finance Minister has to get Train II on stream to support Atuabo will be welcome because it will save the economy a lot,” he added.
Meanwhile, fuel prices in the first pricing window of November have declined slightly, supported by relative cedi stability and favorable petroleum prices on the international market.
Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy, Benjamin Nsiah, said maintaining currency stability will be critical to sustaining the downward trend at the pumps.
He also called for stronger policy interventions to close persistent revenue gaps in the energy sector.
“The data shows that revenue mobilization has improved under this government, particularly by the ECG. However, system losses remain high. Through stronger public-private partnerships, we can manage these losses and ensure greater financial and operational discipline at ECG. We also expect to hear more about private sector participation,” he noted.
While the downstream petroleum market shows signs of resilience, Ghana’s upstream oil and gas sector continues to face challenges.
Mr. Nsiah warned that without a review of existing laws to attract new investment, declining oil production could hurt government revenue and undermine long-term energy sustainability.
