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The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned the newly approved GH¢1 levy on petroleum products, dubbing it the “E-Levy Promax” and accusing the government of backtracking on its promise to reset the economy.
Speaking during the debate on the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill on Tuesday, June 3, Minority MPs argued that the new tax places an unjustified burden on already struggling Ghanaians. They pointed to recent hikes in electricity and water tariffs, 14.7% and 4.02% respectively, as evidence of the government’s insensitivity to the public’s plight.
“You scrap the E-Levy, only to introduce what is essentially a Dumsor Levy. This is not relief, it’s repackaged hardship,” a Minority MP declared. “We, the mighty Minority, stand with the people of Ghana.”
Under the new measure, consumers will now pay an additional GH¢1 per litre of fuel. The government projects this will raise approximately GH¢5.7 billion annually to help clear the energy sector’s debt, which currently stands at US$3.1 billion.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson defended the bill, noting that a total of US$3.7 billion is needed to clear existing arrears, and a further US$1.2 billion is required to fuel thermal power generation throughout 2025.
He assured Parliament that the levy would not lead to an immediate increase in pump prices, citing the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi as a buffer.
Despite the assurance, the Minority dismissed the government’s explanation as unconvincing and staged a walkout before the final vote, protesting what they called yet another financial burden on citizens under the guise of economic recovery.
