Parliament passes new energy sector levy under certificate of urgency

Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Tuesday night. The bill was approved under a certificate of urgency. It aims to increase the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy. This will help raise revenue for energy sector arrears.

The levy proceeds are expected to reduce legacy debt in the energy sector. They will also help ensure stable power supply across the country. The bill was passed at 23:10 hours on June 3, 2025, after its third reading.

The Minority Caucus staged a walkout during the session. They protested after the Speaker rejected their request for a head count. Outside the Chamber, they performed a symbolic hand-washing.

The government expects to collect GH¢5.7 billion from this energy sector levy. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, introduced the bill to amend existing laws. The amendment allows an energy levy on petroleum products.

One Ghana Cedi will be charged for every litre of petroleum products sold. Dr Forson stated that this levy would fund essential fuel for power generation. It aims to end long-term power outages known as "dumsor."

He explained that there are $3.7 billion in energy sector debts as of March this year. Dr Forson assured that the new levy would not increase petrol prices due to strong cedi performance.

The Minority Caucus opposed the bill strongly, calling it another "e-levy." Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized its late-night passage as shameful. He claimed it would add GH¢4.50 pesewas per gallon of petroleum products.

Mr Collins Adomako Mensah from NPP warned that petrol prices could rise significantly due to this levy. He expressed surprise at how quickly the NDC Majority Caucus changed their stance on new taxes.

He questioned if this was what they promised Ghanaians and called it "e-levy promax." Mr Adomako Mensah emphasized that the Minority would stand with Ghanaians against this bill.