The Executives of the Kwahu Professionals Network (KPN) have paid a courtesy call on Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, the Omanhene of the Kwahu Traditional Area, during the celebration of the revered Akwasidae festival at his palace in Abene.

The visit, which marked the formal introduction of the newly elected leadership of KPN, was also aimed at reinforcing ties between the professional body and the traditional authority.

Leading the delegation was KPN President Richard Nyarko Sarpong, accompanied by Secretary Felix Gyimah Darfour, Membership Director Augustine Attah Agyei, Finance Director Evans Nyarko Siaw, and co-opted members Doreen A. Pepera, responsible for Welfare, and Isaac Effah Abrokwah, in charge of Projects.

Their presence at the palace underscored the Network’s respect for traditional institutions and their commitment to rooting development in cultural values. The executives participated in the Akwasidae rites alongside Nananom and the people of Abene, affirming the organisation’s dedication to Kwahu’s heritage and identity.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III warmly welcomed the KPN leadership and expressed appreciation for their visit and their readiness to engage with traditional leadership. He commended the executives for their vision and encouraged them to work in unity, focus on impactful initiatives, and uphold the values that have historically advanced the Kwahu area.

“I encourage you to work diligently, stay united, and pursue initiatives that will bring sustainable progress to the area,” Daasebre said. He further called on the Network to fully support the upcoming Okwahu United @ 50 celebrations, describing it as a landmark occasion to strengthen Kwahu pride and cohesion.

In a reflective moment, Daasebre directed the Krontihene of Abene to offer prayers for the KPN executives and the Network’s wider membership.

The solemn invocation asked for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the leadership as they embark on their mandate to promote professional and community advancement.

Responding to the welcome and counsel, KPN executives reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration with traditional leaders and other stakeholders.

They pledged to champion initiatives in professional development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation across Kwahu and beyond.

The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Finance, has introduced the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, proposing a 1 cedi levy on every litre of petroleum product sold in the country. This bold fiscal intervention is aimed at stabilising Ghana’s ailing energy sector, with the funds expected to offset power sector debts, support infrastructure maintenance, and ensure continuous electricity supply.

However, the announcement has sparked heated national conversation. Citizens, economists, and energy experts are weighing the bill’s potential benefits against the immediate impact on household budgets and the already-burdened cost of living. Can this policy deliver the relief it promises, or will it deepen existing economic struggles?

What the Government Hopes to Achieve

Ghana’s energy sector is reeling from decades of underfunding, inefficiencies, and mounting debts, particularly to independent power producers (IPPs) and fuel suppliers. Power outages have become a recurring menace, hurting small businesses and undermining investor confidence.

The Finance Minister maintains that the new levy will generate dedicated revenue to address these systemic financial gaps and avoid further deterioration of electricity supply reliability. According to him, ‘stabilising the energy sector is critical to economic growth, job creation, and industrial expansion.’

Possible Gains from the Levy

1. A Lifeline for the Power Sector

The levy could inject much-needed funds into clearing legacy debts, enhancing the financial health of utility providers, and facilitating uninterrupted power generation and distribution.

2. Sustainable Energy Investment

Over time, the revenue could be channelled into renewable energy development and critical grid upgrades, positioning Ghana as a leader in West Africa’s energy transition.

3. Economic Productivity

A more reliable electricity supply could stimulate local manufacturing and reduce the cost of doing business, especially for SMEs affected by frequent blackouts and the high cost of generator use.

But at What Cost to Citizens?

1. Fuel Price Hikes & Inflation

An additional 1 cedi per litre will almost certainly push up fuel prices. This increase will ripple across sectors — transport, agriculture, and commerce — raising the cost of goods and services.

2. Hardship for the Poor and Working Class

Fuel levies are inherently regressive. Lower-income households, who spend a larger portion of their earnings on transport and food, will feel the pinch more acutely than affluent citizens.

3. Trust Deficit from Past Levies

Public scepticism is high, given past energy-related levies such as the Energy Debt Recovery Levy, Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy, and the Public Lighting Levy — all introduced under the Energy Sector Levies Act, 2015 (Act 899). These levies were designed to address sector inefficiencies, clear debts, and stabilise energy prices. However, reports of mismanagement and lack of transparency have eroded public trust.

4. Lack of Transparency and Oversight

Critics fear the new revenue stream could be mismanaged or diverted from its intended purpose, as has occurred in the past due to weak institutional oversight and political interference.

Policy Recommendations for Balance

If implemented, the following measures can improve public buy-in and ensure the policy’s long-term success:

Phase Out Obsolete Levies: The government should review and rationalise older levies to reduce the cumulative tax burden on fuel products.

Ring-Fence the Funds: The new levy should be placed in a special account with public disclosure on disbursement and impact metrics.

Protect the Poor: Introduce targeted interventions, such as transport subsidies for low-income earners, to cushion the economic blow.

Set a Time Limit: The levy should include a sunset clause with periodic performance reviews and a clear end goal.

Final Thoughts

The Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill represents a high-stakes balancing act for Ghana’s government. On the one hand, stabilising the power sector is indispensable for economic resilience and long-term growth. On the other hand, the levy’s regressive nature and timing, amid high inflation and job insecurity, could deepen public discontent.

Ultimately, the success of this policy will hinge on transparency, accountability, and the political will to use the proceeds solely for their intended purpose. Ghana’s energy future must not come at the expense of today’s vulnerable citizens.

About the Author:

Isaac Kwegyir Essel is an energy policy analyst with an MSc in Oil and Gas Accounting from Robert Gordon University (Scotland). He is a member of the Energy Institute (UK) and Engineers Australia. He writes on energy transition, geopolitics, and community development.

–

The author, Isaac Kwegyir Essel, is an Energy Analyst & Member, Energy Institute (UK).

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has assured Parliament that the Ghanaian Cedi will remain stable against major foreign currencies.

He stated that foreign exchange earnings from the Ghana Gold Board will be directed to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to strengthen reserves and support the currency.

Dr. Forson reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring currency stability, reducing prices, and creating jobs as part of the government’s economic agenda.

Speaking during the debate on the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill, 2025, in Parliament on Wednesday, June 4, Ato Forson said, “I want to assure the people of Ghana that the currency will remain stable. The Ghana cedi will remain strong. The Ghana cedi is doing well, and this trajectory will continue. Mr Speaker, I want to assure members of this House that the NDC will find ways to stabilise the cedi.

“For the first month of operation of the Ghana Gold Board, for the month of May, they were able to buy 11.4 tonnes of gold, which brought $1.2 billion that has gone to the central bank. And the central bank will use this to build enough reserves to intervene for the currency to be strong. We mean well, prices have fallen, inflation is coming down, we can see prices of goods coming down daily, this will continue, and so, you should be happy. I stand by my promise to deliver low prices, stable cedi and good jobs for the people of Ghana.”

Dr. Forson also dismissed claims that the stability of the exchange rate is due to the government not spending.

Minority MPs march to Police Headquarters over delay in Ablekuma North election results

…..

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

play videoMinister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) will spend within its budget, ensuring financial prudence.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, he asserted that the government has ended the era of reckless spending which took place under the Akufo-Addo government.

He further said government will not overborrow at the expense of Ghanaians.

“I wish to state for the record that it is not true that the government is not spending. Mr. Speaker, we have ended the era of reckless spending. We are spending wisely and prudently. The era of recklessness has come to an end, and the NDC will not spend recklessly. We will spend according to what we have.

“If you do not have the funds, do not overborrow, because excessive borrowing leads to financial distress. We have stopped this practice. Mr Speaker, we will not overborrow. We will spend within the budget and do what is necessary,” Ato Forson emphasised.

The finance minister’s remarks follow claims by the Minority in Parliament that the appreciation of the cedi can be attributed to the government’s reduced spending.

The local currency has appreciated in recent times, with the dollar selling at GH¢10.25 on the interbank market.

Watch the video below:

SA/AE

Azamati (L) and Saminu raced together in Paris 2024

Former national sprint champion, Benjamin Azamati, has responded with pride and encouragement after Abdul-Rasheed Saminu shattered his long-standing 100m national record with a blistering run of 9.86 seconds at the NCAA East Preliminary Round.

The University of South Florida sprinter did not only eclipse Azamati’s 2022 record of 9.90 seconds but also became the fastest man in the world this year, edging closer to NCAA history and stamping his ticket to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Reacting to the news on Sporty FM, Azamati, who had been Ghana’s sprint king for three years, said he’s proud to see the bar being raised and believes it’s a reflection of the growing talent in the country.

“Records are meant to be broken, and it just goes to show the level of talent we have in Ghana,” he said.

While many would feel disappointed to lose a record, Azamati views it as a moment of motivation and evolution for Ghanaian athletics.

He also emphasised that competition should always be rooted in excellence and a shared desire to uplift the country on the world stage.

“I’m just proud of the role I played in raising the standards, and seeing someone step up will motivate me. It’s just about performing at the highest level and representing the country with excellence,” he added.

Saminu’s time of 9.86 seconds not only broke Ghana’s national record but also placed him just 0.04 seconds behind Christian Coleman’s all-time NCAA mark of 9.82.

His sensational form now places him among the top contenders heading into the World Championships this September.

Interestingly, Saminu credits a conversation with Azamati as part of the fuel behind his achievement.

In an interview with 3Sports, he revealed that he spoke to Azamati who pushed him for the record.

“Me and Azamati talked about it. I said I need to break your record this year. He was like, go for it. If you really want it, go for it. So, I was like, okay, I’m ready,” he recalled.

FKA/EB

Watch as Techiman Eleven Wonders crowned 2025 Division One League Champions

Major confectionery companies including Mars, Mondelez, Lindt, Ferrero, Barry Callebaut and Tony’s Chocolonely, are among enterprises contributing to a $80 million grant to improve Ghana’s education system, writes Neill Barston.

The Ghanaian Ministry of Education has secured the latest funding from a combination of private, and multilateral partners to improve access to education for all school children nationwide.

According to local sources, this will be combined with an additional US$38.8 million from the Early Learning Partnership Multi-Donor Trust and GPE, the funding will aim to drive improvements in foundational learning, including raising basic literacy and numeracy rates amongst primary-level school children and supporting their emotional and social wellbeing.

As Confectionery Production has previously covered, the topic of educational provision in the region remains of huge significance, with rates of school attendance have reportedly significantly improved within the past decade in both Ghana and neighbouring Ivory Coast’s cocoa communities increasing.

However, there remains a notable issue of child labour remaining with the industry, with the most recent figures from the International labour organisation stating that 1.5 million minors are still subject to the worst forms of labour – so providing access to education and wider community support measures is of crucial importance.

The project partners, known as SCALE, was created to support lasting improvements across Ghana’s education system by embedding local leadership, data-driven decision-making, and a holistic focus on children’s learning and wellbeing. In addition to expanding GALOP, it introduces new structures—such as Ghana Education Evidence and Data Lab (GEEDLab) and the Communities of Excellence—to effect lasting, system-wide change.

A consortium of over 10 philanthropic and private partners have reportedly raised US$40 million of that total amount to support the expansion of GALOP, Ghana’s flagship education program. GPE matched the consortium’s funding by providing a further US$40 million.

The US$80 million—the largest amount ever raised for education amongst philanthropies and private companies—forms part of an additional financing mechanism for GALOP, which now totals US$118.8 million, and will be administered by the World Bank as the Grant Agent.

Since 2020, GALOP has successfully invested US$218.7 million in targeted districts in Ghana. Over the next four years, this new tranche of funding will increase the total number of schools that are set to benefit from 10,000 to 16,000, plus a further 14,700 kindergartens.

Funds will support targeted, evidence-based interventions that will improve learning resources, teaching quality, and strengthen governance structures. These interventions will transform the approach to local schooling, sub-national planning, and national policymaking across Ghana to improve children’s learning.

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, Republic of Ghana said: “This is an opportunity for us. With a shared vision, a shared partnership, and a shared innovative financing for education. And it could not have been done at a better time.” He continued by saying, “Ghana has every reason to celebrate the impact made under the investment of GALOP, and SCALE is an extension of this.”

As the collective group added, its overall ambitions are centred on reform of how education is structured and delivered in Ghana, through enhancing practice to encourage a child-focused approach to further drive standards upwards within the region.

Related content

Reduction in transport fares contributed to the inflation drop in May

Inflation for May 2025 has dropped sharply to 18.4% from 21.2% recorded in April 2025.

This means that prices of goods and services increased by 18.4% last month.

The Ghana Statistical Service said the decline in inflation is due to the reduction in transportation fares and a decline in non-food inflation.

Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, said the drop can also be attributed to the reduction in fuel prices at the pumps and the subsequent reduction in transport fares.

These were the main drivers of inflation in May. At the regional level, Dr. Iddrisu said the Upper West recorded the highest inflation of 38.1%, while the Ahafo region recorded the lowest inflation of 14.5%.

Since the beginning of the year, inflation has continued on a downward streak as the economic indicators have strengthened.

This is the lowest rate recorded since March 2022.

SSD/MA

The government has disbursed GH¢987.96 million to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) as the first quarter allocation for 2025, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has told Parliament.

The disbursement, he said, underscored the government’s renewed commitment to fiscal decentralisation and the empowerment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

He stated further that the amount had already been transferred from the Consolidated Fund to the DACF Administrator and would be governed by strict Cabinet-approved guidelines to ensure transparency and alignment with national development goals.

Breakdown

Briefing parliament on the development yesterday, Dr Forson, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, disclosed that Cabinet had approved detailed expenditure categories to guide how the disbursed funds were spent at the local level.

He explained that 25 per cent of the total amount was earmarked for the design and construction of a model market in each district while health infrastructure would receive 10 per cent of the funds, with a minimum of two health compounds to be constructed in rural assemblies.

Dr Forson also said another 10 per cent had been set aside for educational infrastructure, specifically the construction of a kindergarten block, a primary school block and a junior high school block in each district.

“Mr Speaker, again, we have earmarked 10 per cent of the amount that will be sent directly to the Assemblies for the provision of school furniture,” he added.

In the area of water and sanitation, the Finance Minister said 10 per cent was allocated to provide potable water, including at least 10 boreholes in rural assemblies.

Additionally, he said 20 per cent of the released amount was to be used to complete abandoned and uncompleted legacy projects initiated by the former regional development authorities — Middle Belt, Coastal and Northern Development Authorities.

Dr Forson, however, stated that administrative costs, monitoring and evaluation had been capped at five per cent to prevent the misuse of funds. 

Accountability

The Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam legislator stated that under the new directive, the Administrator of the DACF was mandated to ensure that not less than 80 per cent of the amount was transferred directly to the district assemblies without fail.

He added that assemblies were required to submit detailed expenditure returns to the Ministry of Finance before subsequent quarterly disbursements were made.

Dr Forson said the release of funds marked a turning point after years of erratic disbursements that undermined the effectiveness of local governments.

He pointed out that between 2017 and 2024, only 40 per cent to 50 per cent of DACF allocations were actually transferred to the assemblies, leaving MMDAs under-resourced and unable to meet the development needs of their communities.

The current administration, he assured, was determined to reverse that trend.

“We are committed to adequately resourcing MMDAs and ensuring that effective and accountable utilisation of these resources is maintained at all times,” he said.

Revitalising local development

Dr Forson said the total DACF allocation for the year 2025 stood at GH¢7.57 billion, out of which GH¢6.1 billion — representing 80 per cent — would be disbursed directly to the assemblies to spur local economic activities.

“Mr Speaker, in view of that, every District Assembly will receive a minimum of GH¢25 million this year,” he explained.

“Let us work together to strengthen the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and position them as engines of local economic development,” Dr Forson urged his fellow MPs.

He further encouraged MPs to monitor the implementation of the spending guidelines within their constituencies to ensure that the intended development outcomes were achieved.

The Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress have issued a statement appealing to Ghanaians to bear with the government by paying the Gh¢1.00 fuel levy to help alleviate the energy sector burden.

In a release issued and signed on Wednesday, 4th June, 2025, by Mr. E. A. Sarpong, popularly called Father Casford, it averred that, judging from the current debilitating energy sector debt, “it’s the most rational decision by government to impose Gh¢1.00 levy on each litre of fuel purchased to help us settle our debt”, they stated.

The Cadres contend that Gh¢1.00 fuel levy is not the same as 1% E-Levy. The current increment on fuel is an insignificant constant of Gh¢1.00, while 1% E-Levy varies in the amount charged, depending on the amount of the transaction involved. “In percentage terms, as the amount increases, the percentage-based deduction grows, while Gh¢1 remains an insignificant constant,” the release emphasized.

In a bid to placate the fears of Ghanaians, they revealed that the recent gains of the Ghanaian currency against major trading currencies, arising from the prudent management of the economy, would mitigate the increase in fuel prices.

The release concluded by urging all Ghanaians, as a patriotic duty, to support the government during these difficult times to better the lot of Ghanaians in the near future. “We, the Gallant Cadres of the NDC, wish to appeal to all well-meaning Ghanaians to bear with the government as it tries to navigate this difficult labyrinth of energy sector debt,” the release ended.

Below is the full press release:

Press Release

To All Media Houses

The Gallant Cadres of NDC

0208573712

0243179445

0542002741

0546572070

We Welcome The GH1 Levy On Every Liter of Fuel to Offset Disturbing Energy Sector Debt.

The decision by the Government of Ghana to impose a Gh 1. 00 on every litre of petrol purchased at the pumps is a rational one which in the long run help us settle the debilitating Energy Sector debt overhang.

Truth is that Ghc1.00 is not the same as 1%. Deducting Gh 1.00 from Gh1,000 = Gh 999, and 1% of Gh 1,000 is Gh 10.00, thus giving you ¢990. In percentage terms, as the amount increases, the percentage-based deduction grows, while 1ghc remains an insignificant constant. This is nothing like E-levy! The Energy-sector debt left by NPP government can be described be crazily humungous!!

It is important to note that, the ¢1.00 increase in the Energy Sector Levy(ESLA) Act, has become necessary due to mounting and unsustainable debt accrued in the energy sector over the previous 8 years under the NPP.

A financing shortfall of about $3.7billion (over GH¢40 billion) hangs over the sector with an estimated $ 1.2 billion (GH¢13 billion) needed annually to purchase liquid fuels to power thermal plants for energy generation.This amount is not factored into the pricing of electricity, making it unsustainable going forward.

The GH¢1 increase in ESLA means that an amount of GH¢5.7 billion will be realised every year to ease the liquid fuel burden. If liquid fuel is factored into electricity pricing, it will result in a 50% increase in electricity prices making the ESLA increment a better and cheaper alternative.

The timing of the increase means that fuel prices will still remain lower than in the May pricing window due to the continuous appreciation of the cedi against the dollar and other major trading currencies.

Fuel prices have moved from about GH¢16 in January to under GH¢12 cedis due to gains made from the prudent management of the economy. With the increase in ESLA fuel prices would be cheaper or at par with what inherited.

Accrued funds from the increase will be used judiciously to purchase liquid fuels to guarantee constant supply of electricity and ensure that dumsor does not recur.

The current price for a liter of petrol (Super XP) in Ghana is GH₵14.34, according to GOIL PLC. Diesel (Diesel XP) is priced at GH₵12.98 per liter. The new tax of GH₵1 per litre is between 7% to 7.7%.

We, the Gallant Cadres of the NDC wish to appeal to all well meaning Ghanaians to bear with government as it tries to navigate this difficult labyrinth of energy sector debt.

Comrade Richard E A Sarpong, Father Casford. The PRO, 0208573712

Ohemaa Akosua Borngreat, Deputy PRO, 0243179445

Mr F Kadan, Secretary, 0242276044

Eric Nana Tekye, Deputy Secretary, 0546572070

Carrick Kpeglo, Chairman. 0542002741

Dr Steve Manteaw is the Co-Chair of GHEITI

The Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), Dr Steve Manteaw, has raised a red flag over the government’s proposed amendment of the Energy Sector Levy, warning that the move could have unintended consequences on the economy and consumers.

Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill 2025, which introduces a GH¢1 increase on the levy on petroleum products.

The measure is expected to generate an additional GH¢5.7 billion in revenue to help reduce energy sector debts and ensure stable power supply.

In a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Dr Manteaw noted that the amendment lacks strong accountability framework, stating that the levy could lead to an increase in transport fares and food prices, undercutting the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy.

According to Dr Mateaw, the proposed levy’s charge of Ghc1 per litre of fuel is “too onerous” for consumers, suggesting instead, a charge per gallon or a reduced rate of 25 pesewas per litre to minimise its economic impact.

He also called for a sunset clause to prevent the levy from becoming a permanent fixture, citing the long-standing TOR Debt Recovery Levy as a cautionary example.

As an alternative, Dr Manteaw proposed leveraging recent economic gains such as the cedi’s resurgence and rising gold and cocoa prices, to help reduce energy sector debt without shifting the burden onto consumers.

His remarks fall on the back of intensified public debate over how best to resolve the financial challenges in Ghana’s energy sector without increasing hardship for ordinary citizens.

Below is Dr Steve Manteaw’s take on the proposed amendment of the Energy Sector Levy

1. Well intended, but lacks strong accountability mechanism. This exposes it to potential abuse, including misapplication.

2. May adversely affect transport fares and food prices, undermining government’s call on traders to reduce prices.

3. Too onerous for consumers if placed on a litre of petroleum products. Should rather be placed on a gallon, or reduced to 25p per litre to moderate its effect on cost of living.

4. Provide a sunset clause, so that, it does not assume a perpetual character, like the TOR debt Recovery Levy.

5. Maybe, we should leverage on the gains from the Cedi’s resurgence and rising gold and cocoa prices to defray part of the energy sector indebtedness.

SP/VPO

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel