The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has called on Ghanaians to support the newly approved GHS1 fuel levy, warning that failure to do so could force a 50% increase in electricity tariffs or plunge the country back into severe power crisis, commonly known as ‘Dumsor’.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, June 5, Vanderpuye described the levy as a proactive and necessary step to raise funds for stabilising the national power supply, without directly burdening consumers through higher electricity rates.
The Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament on June 3, imposes a GHS1 per litre charge on petroleum products. The government anticipates generating approximately GHS5.7 billion from the levy to tackle growing debts in the energy sector and ensure a steady supply of fuel for thermal power generation.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed that the energy sector currently carries a debt of $3.1 billion, with an additional $3.7 billion needed to clear outstanding arrears. Another $1.2 billion is required to procure fuel for the 2025 fiscal year.
Vanderpuye stressed that the levy is not intended to increase the burden on citizens but to prevent the recurrence of erratic power outages, which would severely disrupt households and businesses across the country.
Story By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
