UG Prof calls for vigilance over 1 cedi fuel levy
By: Rebecca Okine
Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Prof. Stephen Braimah, has called on the media, civil society, and all relevant stakeholders to monitor the implementation and use of the newly approved GH₵1.00 fuel levy.
His comments follow Parliament’s approval of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on June 3, 2025, which introduces a GH₵1 levy on petroleum products. The government estimates the levy will generate about GH₵5.7 billion annually to tackle the growing financial debt in the energy sector.
Speaking on Zed FM’s current affairs program The Focus, Prof. Braimah emphasized the importance of transparency in how the funds are used. He stressed that the issue is not just about raising money, but about whether such funds are applied appropriately.
“We don’t make the decisions or sign the appropriation bills, but we must demand to know how the money is being used. If people know they are being watched, the likelihood of misapplying the funds drops significantly,” he said.
Prof. Braimah acknowledged President Mahama’s assurance that auditing mechanisms would be put in place regarding the new levy, but he insisted that public vigilance is key.
“This is where media and civil society must act as watchdogs because we need transparency that shows where the money is going,” he emphasised.
Prof. Braimah also warned that the energy sector’s challenges are both immediate and structural. “We need funds now to solve pressing issues, but we also need to fix the root causes so we don’t keep going back into debt,” he explained.
According to Prof. Braimah, while the levy may help resolve some short-term problems, it cannot be the sole solution. Long-term strategies must address the inefficiencies and systemic weaknesses that have led to persistent debt in the sector. He noted recent government initiatives such as forming committees to explore public-private partnerships as a positive sign but emphasized that consistent public oversight remains essential to ensuring these efforts are effective.
