0
0 The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has clarified that the suspended GH₵1 levy on each litre of petrol and diesel remains legally enforceable and may be reintroduced when deemed appropriate by the government.
In a media interview, Spokesperson and Head of Communications for the Ministry, Richmond Rockson, Esq, confirmed that while the levy’s implementation has been paused, the legal backing for it remains intact.
“The government will consider bringing it back. The law has not been repealed; it is still the law,” he stated.
He emphasised that the reasons for introducing the levy—such as the absence of a dedicated energy fund and persistent challenges in procuring liquid fuel—still exist.
“The basis of introducing that law is still persistent. We still don’t have a dedicated fund when it comes to power. We still have challenges when it comes to the procurement of liquid fuel,” Mr Rockson added. “The GH₵1 addition is still in our books, and the effective date for implementation will happen when it is deemed fit.”
The GH₵1 fuel levy was initially introduced as part of a broader energy sector financing framework aimed at supporting power generation and addressing mounting debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Its announcement sparked swift opposition from civil society organisations, transport unions, and consumers, who criticised the move as ill-timed amidst rising living costs and economic difficulties.
Following public outcry, the government suspended the levy’s rollout, but Mr Rockson defended its core objective, insisting that Ghana’s energy sector still lacks a sustainable funding mechanism.
He reiterated that the government retains the legal authority to activate the levy, as no repeal or amendment has been made to the law underpinning it.
