Energy Crisis: “If you’re competent, solve the problem” – Kofi Bentil to Govt

Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI-Africa, criticized the government’s handling of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He accused leaders of using technical justifications instead of addressing real issues affecting Ghanaians.

Speaking on Joy News on June 7, Bentil rejected the government's explanations for the fuel levy. He described these explanations as disconnected from the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. “You heard Felix [Government Spokesperson] spend 15 minutes explaining these things,” he said. “It’s your job; nobody cares about it.”

Bentil emphasized that in places where leaders work effectively, citizens don’t worry about energy sources. “Your lights stay on,” he stated. He urged leaders to focus on their responsibilities.

His comments follow public criticism of the Energy Sector Recovery Levy. This levy aims to stabilize Ghana’s power and energy sectors but is seen as an added burden by critics like IMANI-Africa. They argue it shows a lack of innovation in public finance management.

“They come at us with this and that,” Bentil said. “When problems arise, they offer explanations we don’t care about.” He stressed that solving these issues should not be a partisan matter.

“It is a bi-partisan problem,” he noted. Both current and past administrations must take responsibility for Ghana’s ongoing energy challenges.

The GHS1 fuel levy under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill is expected to generate GHS5.7 billion annually. The government promises that all revenue will be used for critical energy-related expenses, including debt repayment and fuel procurement, to ensure stable power supply.