President John Dramani Mahama has framed the controversial GHS1 fuel levy as a bold and forward-looking strategy to avert a looming power crisis and restore financial stability in Ghana’s energy sector.
Addressing the media after receiving the final report of the National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee on Wednesday, June 4, President Mahama said the levy—though unpopular—was essential to Ghana’s energy security. “We cannot continue to accumulate energy sector debt and expect a reliable power supply,” he said.
The GHS1 levy, introduced under the recently amended Energy Sector Levy Bill, is projected to raise GHS5.7 billion annually. Mahama assured the public that every cedi of this revenue will be “ring-fenced” to settle legacy debts, ensure fuel availability for thermal plants, and avoid the resurgence of nationwide power cuts—commonly referred to as ‘dumsor.’ Officials warn that without such financial buffers, the country could face power rationing that would derail both industry and daily life.
