Mahama has introduced Dumsor Levy – Netizen reacts to ¢1 fuel levy

A netizen reacted to parliament passing the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025. This bill imposes a GH¢1 charge on every litre of fuel.

The netizen pointed out that President John Dramani Mahama introduced a Dumsor Levy. In a post on X, Gen Buhari wrote, “Mahama to introduce D-LEVY. D for Dumsor.”

The Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025 raises the levy on petroleum products by GH¢1. Reports say this measure will generate about GH¢5.7 billion in revenue. The funds aim to reduce energy sector debts and address erratic power supply, known as dumsor.

Ato Forson spoke in Parliament about the need for $3.7 billion to clear current energy sector debt. He stated, “A minimum of $3.7 billion is needed to clean up the overall energy sector’s indebtedness.” He added that an additional $1.2 billion is required in 2025 for essential fuel procurement.

Forson warned that the power sector risks imminent collapse without resolving these debts. He mentioned an increase in pump prices for diesel and petrol but claimed consumers would not pay extra due to gains from the Ghana cedi's performance.

The Minority Caucus called the levy inappropriate and staged a walkout during approval. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, criticized the new GH¢1 fuel levy as regressive and detrimental to consumers.

Nsiah told CITI News, “This approach is not only tired but unfair.” He noted previous levies like ESLA did not solve underlying issues. “It’s not about collecting more; it’s about managing what’s already collected,” he said.

He also disagreed with claims that consumers wouldn’t be burdened by this levy. “The consumer has carried this burden for years,” he cautioned, adding that without reform, this trend will continue.

“The problem is not revenue; it is management,” he concluded.