President John Mahama has justified the decision to impose a GH¢1 new levy on petroleum products, describing the move as difficult but a necessary decision.
Speaking during the presentation of the final report from the National Economic Dialogue, the President noted that the decision was not taken lightly.
Mr. Mahama acknowledged the concerns among Ghanaians due to the imposition, but insisted the levy is both justifiable and prudent to save the energy sector from collapse.
The President assured that the proceeds from the levy will not be subjected to the hazards of the Consolidated Fund, which traditionally holds public revenue.
According to him, this levy will be used judiciously to benefit Ghanaians, assuring that the results will be clear for all to see.
The President also promised to implement measures to tackle what he described as deep-rooted inefficiencies or ill-practices in the petroleum sector.
Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, by a Majority decision approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GH¢1 levy on each litre of petroleum products.
The controversial bill, aimed at raising additional revenue to tackle the nation’s crippling energy sector debt and ensure stable power supply, but the move has drawn widespread criticisms.