Policy Analyst, Dr Steve Manteaw, has expressed his reservations about the Fuel Tax introduced by the government.
According to him, although it is well-intended, it lacks a strong accountability mechanism.
He is of the view that the lack of an accountability mechanism exposes it to potential abuse, including misapplication.
He foresees this introduction adversely affecting transport fares and food prices and undermining the government’s call on traders to reduce prices.
Making this position known in a Facebook post he said:
MY TAKE ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF THE ENERGY SECTOR LEVY:
1. Well intended, but lacks strong accountability mechanism. This exposes it to potential abuse, including misapplication.
2. May adversely affect transport fares and food prices, undermining government’s call on traders to reduce prices.
3. Too onerous for consumers if placed on a littre of petroleum products. Should rather be placed on a gallon, or reduced to 25p per littre to moderate its effect on cost of living.
4. Provide a sunset clause, so that, it does not assume a pertual character, like the TOR debt Recovery Levy.
5. Maybe, we should leverage on the gains from the Cedi’s resurgence and rising gold and cocoa prices to defray part of the energy sector indebtedness.
SHALOM!!!
Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which authorizes the GHȼ1 increase in petroleum product levies.
According to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the measure aims to help settle $3.1 billion in energy sector arrears and raise an additional $1.2 billion to procure fuel for thermal generation in 2025.
He maintains that the levy will not raise ex-pump fuel prices.
But this assurance has been met with skepticism. The Minority Caucus walked out during the approval process, describing the levy as inappropriate and alleging that the Majority lacked the constitutional quorum to pass the bill.
