GH¢1 levy won’t fix a broken energy system - Dr Riverson Oppong

The CEO of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) has concerns. He believes the new GH¢1 energy sector levy will not fix Ghana’s energy issues.

Dr. Riverson Oppong stated that adding money to a broken system won’t help. He shared his views during an interview on PM Express with Evans Mensah. This was after Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The bill adds a GH¢1 charge on every litre of petrol and diesel. The government aims to raise revenue for energy sector debt and stable power supply. However, Dr. Oppong thinks this approach is flawed.

He pointed out that last year, ESLA raised about GH¢9 billion. He questioned where that money went. “It’s not just about increasing ESLA or adding another GH¢1,” he said. “We need to understand the real problem.”

Dr. Oppong noted that the downstream petroleum sector has carried the financial burden for too long. “Since ESLA was enacted, we’ve absorbed costs without accountability,” he explained.

He emphasized that raising money isn’t enough if spending isn’t wise and sustainable. “Building a storey building on a soft foundation will cause collapse,” he warned.

Dr. Oppong acknowledged Ghanaians' frustration during blackouts, especially at night. He understands how painful it is when power goes out in hot weather.

He also questioned whether the government explored other options thoroughly. “What is this levy addressing? What alternatives could have been considered?” he asked.

He mentioned the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP) as a missed chance to solve these problems. “Why are we back to taxing fuel again?” he wondered.

Dr. Oppong called for transparency and accountability regarding past levies’ use and urged a focus on systemic inefficiencies.