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Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, has mounted a strong defence of the government’s decision to impose a new GHC1 fuel levy, describing it as a bold and necessary step to tackle Ghana’s lingering energy crisis.
The levy, introduced under the amended Energy Sector Levy Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament on June 3 and is projected to rake in about GHC5.7 billion annually.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, June 7, Agbana explained that the levy is aimed at resolving systemic financial challenges that have plagued the country’s energy sector for years.
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“We inherited a challenge, and our approach is to solve this problem once and for all. We have decided not to play politics with it,” he said.
He acknowledged that although the GHC 5.7 billion expected from the levy might not entirely bridge the financial gap, it represents a significant starting point.
“The challenge we are confronted with in the energy sector is fundamentally a financial issue, so you need to raise money,” he explained.
“Even if the revenue isn’t enough, the government has other complementary measures to address the sector’s needs.”
While some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have lauded the move, viewing it as a positive signal in settling the government’s debts to power suppliers, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has fiercely opposed the new charge.
COPEC argues that the levy will further burden consumers already struggling with high fuel prices and economic pressures. The chamber has instead called on the government to explore alternative funding mechanisms.
Responding to critics, Agbana stressed that the government is not simply passing the financial burden onto citizens but is committed to a holistic, long-term solution.
“This is not about shifting the burden. It’s about stabilising a critical sector to ensure consistent power supply and prevent a deeper crisis.”
He urged Ghanaians to see the levy not just as a tax but as an investment in energy stability, which is crucial for economic growth and development.
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