Chairman of the Energy Committee of Parliament, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah led the press conference
The Majority Caucus on the Energy Select Committee of Parliament has accused its colleagues on the Minority side, as well as the Economic and Development Committee, of seeking to mislead the public on the facts surrounding the Energy Sector Levies Amendment Act, recently approved by the House.
Speaking at a press conference by the Caucus on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Majority said the government’s decision to impose a GH¢1 hike on the levy charged on each litre of fuel is a commitment to ensure the security of the country’s energy sector, while not overburdening the consumer.
“This deliberate misinformation from the Minority is what is causing a few groups to agitate, but I want to assure everyone that Ghanaians will not feel this levy at all. There is a difference between leadership and populism. While they choose to criticise now without offering any lasting solutions throughout their eight years in power, they must be told that we are focused on fixing the real issues. We have not lied. We have not hidden the truth. We are transparent about the challenges, and we are bold in implementing solutions that protect both the consumer and the future of our power sector.
“Ghanaians deserve better than misleading soundbites from the Minority. What they need, and what this government is committed to, is stable electricity across the nation, sound economic decisions, and long-term energy security. Let us not play politics with the power that lights our homes, powers our hospitals, and drives our industries,” Chairman of the Energy Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, stated.
Emphasising the rationale behind the hike, the Majority said the levy will help the government pay off debts accumulated in the sector by the previous government.
“Our power generation mix is dominated by thermal plants, which are powered by liquid fuel. Every year, we spend over USD 1.2 billion, with a cedi equivalent of GH¢12.6 billion, on liquid fuels to run our thermal plants and keep the lights on.
“Here is the issue: the current electricity tariff does not account for the cost of these fuels. According to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), including it in the tariff structure would require increasing electricity bills by over 50%. That is a burden no Ghanaian household should bear, and we refuse to let that happen. President Mahama has made it clear that he does not want to increase electricity tariffs, and we need to cushion Ghanaians by doing things in the best interest of all citizens. The government has therefore proposed a modest GH¢1 levy on every litre of refined petroleum product purchased,” the Majority said.
While noting that the net effect of the hike will not burden Ghanaian consumers, the Majority refuted the Minority’s claim that the Act was approved without their engagement.
“All members from the Minority side in the Finance Committee and all the leaders from the Energy Committee were present in the committee meeting when we discussed this amendment bill. We all went through the bill; no one walked out, they were all there, and I can mention their names.
“George Kwame Aboagye was present, Collins Adomako Mensa was also there, together with all the Minority MPs on the Finance Committee, including Adam Mohammed Amin, the former Minister of Finance. And at the end, a majority decision was taken. How then can you organise the press to say you were not informed nor consulted?” the Majority questioned.
GA/AE