This Saturday on Newsfile: GH¢1 fuel levy and OSP declaring Ofori-Atta wanted again

This Saturday on Newsfile, host Samson Lardy Anyenini will lead a discussion. The panel will focus on the new GH¢1 fuel levy on petroleum products.

Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill introduces a GH¢1 per litre surcharge on petroleum products. It aims to raise revenue for the struggling energy sector and ensure stable power supply.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the bill urgently. He stated that the energy sector's total debt is US$3.1 billion as of March 2025. To clear this debt, at least US$3.7 billion is needed. An additional US$1.2 billion is required for essential fuel in 2025.

The Minority Caucus in Parliament opposes the levy strongly. They call it a "predatory tax" that could drain GH¢5.7 billion annually from households and businesses. They demand transparency about how these funds will be used and collected.

Also on the show, the panel will discuss Ken Ofori-Atta's legal troubles. The former Finance Minister was declared ‘wanted’ again by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He missed a June 2 deadline to appear before them.

The OSP has reinstated his status and may request an INTERPOL Red Notice due to his absence. His legal team failed to convince authorities with medical documentation citing cancer issues.

On June 5, Ken Ofori-Atta was officially listed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice database. The notice describes him as a 65-year-old Ghanaian male born in Accra on November 7, 1959. He is approximately 1.7 meters tall with black hair and eyes, speaking English and Twi.

The show will examine implications of the new GH¢1 levy, which some call a "Dumsor levy." It will also address Ofori-Atta's declaration as 'wanted' over allegations of using public office for profit.

Tune in to Newsfile this Saturday for insights into these important national issues.

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