Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 under a certificate of urgency, introducing a GH¢1 per litre levy on petroleum products to address mounting energy sector debts.
The levy, passed on Tuesday, June 3, is expected to generate an additional GH¢5.7 billion annually to support the sector’s financial stability and fund debt repayments.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, defending the bill, disclosed that the energy sector’s total debt stood at US$3.1 billion as of March 2025.
He noted that at least US$3.7 billion is needed to settle these obligations, with a further US$1.2 billion required to procure fuel for thermal power generation through the end of the year.
While the Minister assured that gains from the Ghana Cedi’s strong performance would absorb the levy’s effect on fuel prices, the Minority in Parliament strongly opposed the bill, arguing it imposes an undue financial burden on Ghanaians.
