Energy Sector Levy Generates GH¢9 Billion, Yet Power Crisis Remains – AOMCS CEO

The CEO of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) has raised concerns. He questioned the impact of the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA). This follows Parliament's approval of a new GH¢1 levy on petroleum products. The levy is part of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Dr. Riverson Oppong spoke to the media about his frustrations. He highlighted a lack of transparency and results from the existing levy. He warned that adding costs to fuel prices won't solve Ghana’s power crisis. “Last year alone, ESLA raised no less than GH¢9 billion,” he stated. “Where did the money go?”

Dr. Oppong noted that the electricity sector relies on support from levies like ESLA. However, he believes poor financial management is the core issue, not revenue shortages. “Increasing ESLA or adding another GH¢1 won’t solve the problem,” he emphasized. “We need to understand what the exact problem is.”

He used an analogy to illustrate his point: “Building a storey building on a soft foundation will cause a collapse.” Dr. Oppong does not oppose supporting the energy sector but insists on clear outcomes and transparency. He mentioned that structural reform is also necessary.

“The Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP) was created to address this issue,” he said. “Yet, we still discuss how to avoid future problems.” He also highlighted the human cost of ongoing power outages in Ghana, especially for households and small businesses with limited alternatives.