The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced plans to implement a comprehensive waste management and recycling plan later this month.

This is aimed at reducing nondegradable waste, especially plastic, by promoting recycling and subsequently banning the product in Ghana.

The Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Klutse, announced this at separate engagements with students and teachers of the Wovenu and Dzodze Penyi Senior High Schools in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region.

“After the 5th of June [World Environmental Day] there will be a lot of activities on plastics. We want to reduce plastic waste in the country because they harm the environment”, she said.

She explained that her outfit would first introduce a waste segregation policy aiming to educate Ghanaians on the need to separate waste for easy disposal and recycling.

She added that the initiative would create jobs as the youth who would have the opportunity to collect plastic waste and sell to the recycling factories to earn some money, while hands would also be employed to work at the factories.

Prof Klutse said this is gradually targeted at phasing out plastics in the system and then enforcing a ban to prevent factories from producing plastics.

“We want to avoid plastic waste as much as possible. We are trying to ban plastics in Ghana, we want to do it slowly.

“We want to collect what is in the system and then we want to get an alternative to this plastic, then we can reduce the waste as much as possible. Surely, we can do away with plastics products, especially the single-use plastics”, she said.

The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana also shared in the vision explaining that he would also make available receptacles at vantage points for plastic collection.

He said the plastic waste would be sold to a company in Accra to be used in producing school desks, roofing sheets among others.

He proposed a partnership with the Wovenu Senior High School to cultivate about 15 acres of mango and coconut as part of the School Farm Project. This forms part of his afforestation project to sustain the environment.

Mr. Agbagba said his office would make available seedlings to be planted across the second cycle schools, urging the students to adopt a tree each and nurture it.

“We are bringing seedlings and as a student, you must ensure that you have at least one, you plant and water it every morning. You must check on it, you can give it a name and ensure that the tree grows”, he said.

There was symbolic tree planting by Mr. Agbana and Prof Klutse ahead of the World Environmental Day celebration on 5th June 2025.

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.

Ghana’s hospitality and tourism sector must urgently adopt clear and enforceable customer experience standards to raise service quality and competitiveness across the industry.

This is the view of Professor Ebo Hinson, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University, who spoke during a Citi Business Festival discussion on “Tourism and Customer Experience” hosted on X Spaces.

Professor Hinson expressed concern over the industry’s persistent neglect of customer feedback, describing it as a systemic weakness that risks eroding trust and undermining growth potential.

“We need to develop customer experience standards for all operators in Ghana’s hospitality and tourism space,” he noted.

“That’s something we attempted 12 years ago with the Ghana Hotels Association, but the momentum wasn’t sustained.”

Drawing comparisons with South Africa, he commended their structured hotel grading system that not only aligns with global benchmarks but also integrates local expectations particularly customer experience which is a critical metric for hotel quality.

Prof. Hinson also highlighted the growing importance of technology in shaping modern tourism experiences and called for a revamp of hospitality training to reflect current digital trends.

“These days, everything is very tech-driven. From chatbots to the metaverse, virtual and augmented reality, we need a significant boost in the digital components of hospitality training from senior high school through to the university level,” he said.

As part of the Citi Business Festival’s ongoing focus on sectoral value addition, Prof. Hinson’s remarks reinforced the need for a customer-centric, digitally empowered hospitality strategy to unlock Ghana’s tourism potential and boost investor confidence.

President John Dramani Mahama

President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davis Korboe, has expressed FAGE’s full support for the 24-hour economy policy.

He affirmed the federation’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies and private sector institutions to develop interventions that would maximize benefits for the horticultural sector.

Speaking at an interaction with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, Korboe emphasized the need for practical implementation of policies that will enhance trade and economic growth.

He highlighted FAGE’s historical role in shaping Ghana’s export landscape, noting that the association previously had representation on the boards of the Export Development and Agriculture Investment Fund (EDIF)which later transitioned into Exim Bank as well as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).

He called for the reinstatement of FAGE’s representation on these boards, citing the federation’s three decades of experience in supporting the private sector.

“Africa represents the single greatest opportunity for expanding agricultural exports, with a market of 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion dollars. However, we must move beyond celebratory rhetoric to practical implementation.”

He urged the government to accelerate efforts in eliminating non-tariff barriers, such as frustrating customs procedures at border points and harmonizing standards, which often hinder trade.

Additionally, he emphasized the need for strategic investments in logistics infrastructure, including intra-Africa highways, reliable shipping lines, and seamless payment systems, to facilitate intra-African trade.

Korboe acknowledged the Bank of Ghana’s work on digital payments infrastructure (DPI) projects, aimed at enabling seamless transactions across Africa.

He called on President Mahama to provide additional support to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Ghana’s government has disbursed GH¢5.7 billion to statutory funds for first-quarter 2025, targeting enhanced local development and social services.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the allocations before Parliament, emphasizing President Mahama’s commitment to revitalizing district governance after what he termed years of neglect.

The District Assemblies Common Fund received GH¢987.97 million, with Forson pledging 80% direct transfers to metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies. “MMDAs will receive no less than GH¢6.1 billion from the GH¢7.57 billion annual allocation,” he stated, criticizing previous administrations for centralizing fund control.

Cabinet-approved spending guidelines mandate specific allocations: 25% for 24-hour Economy Model Markets, 10% each for health facilities and educational infrastructure, 10% for water projects including boreholes, 10% for waste management, 10% for school furniture, 5% for administrative oversight, and 20% to complete abandoned infrastructure projects.

The National Health Insurance Scheme received GH¢2.03 billion, enabling arrears clearance and implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare program branded ‘Mahama Care’. Concurrently, the Ghana Education Trust Fund obtained GH¢2.71 billion, fully covering Free Senior High School operational costs including feeding and infrastructure. Forson framed the disbursements as restoring institutional trust through strategic decentralization and timely fiscal discipline.

 Former President, Nana Addo Dank­wa Akufo-Addo, has commended the late Mion Lana, Abdulai Mahamadu, and Yoo, Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani, for their significant contributions to maintaining complete peace in the Dagbon Kingdom after the funeral rites of the late Kings, Ya-Na Ma­hamadu Abdulai and Ya-Na Yakubu Andani.

He said the understanding between the two of them for listening to his advice as their father was led to the peace process and lasting to the reconciliation of Dagbon kingdom.

Nana Addo also stated that Mion Lana Abdulai and his brother, Yoo Naa Yakubu Andani, were committed to resolving the Dagbon chieftaincy crises definitively.

The Former President was speaking on Friday in Sambu, the traditional capital of Mion, at the Mion Lana final funeral rites of the Mion Traditional Area, Mion Lana Alhaji Abdulai Mahamadu

He noted that their mutual understanding necessitated actions to foster peace and lasting reconciliation within the Dagbon kingdom.

Additionally, he stated that the two para­mount chiefs, namely the Late Mion Lana and Yoo Naa, deserve commendation from the people of Dagbon Kingdom for facilitating the settlement that enabled peace to be real­ised in Dagbon.

“They accepted my counsel that the unique circumstances called for a special solution, which permitted the then Savelugu Naa to come to Yendi as Ya Na Mahama Abukari II. I will always hold fondness and gratitude to­wards him and his brother for their assistance in bringing peace to Dagbon,” he underlined.

He noted that the late Mion Lana’s family and his own had shared a close relationship for many generations, with his grandfather, the late Ya Na Mahamadu Abdullai, being a friend of his father, and his father, Ya Na Mahamadu Abdullai II, being a very good friend of his own.

“Whenever I visited Yendi for political engagements or other reasons, I consistently made it a point to greet him, thereby strength­ening the relationship that has endured to this day,” he added.

He also described the late Mion Lana as my man of peace and a respected chief in the Dagbon Kingdom.

Moreover, the Former President stated that the late Mion Lana would forever be remem­bered for the role he played in bringing peace to the Dagbon Kingdom.

He was accompanied by the former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, former Minister for National Security, Mr Ken Dapaah, former Interior Minister, Mr Ambrose Dery, Dr Moham­med Adam Amin, former Finance Minister; Minster of Defence, Mr Dominic Ntiwul, and other former government officials.

 FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, SAMBU

Nigeria is witnessing a significant shift in its oil and gas landscape as local companies expand their roles, driving a new phase of potential sectoral growth and innovation.

Leading the charge are companies which bought onshore and shallow water assets from oil majors planning billions of dollars of investments to develop abandoned fields.

Smaller producers are also pulling their weight; for example, Nigeria’s first locally developed and operated onshore crude terminal, Otakikpo, began loading operations on Monday. Built by Green Energy Limited and located in the OML 11 block near Port Harcourt, it marks a milestone in local capacity.

Shell loaded the first crude cargo through the 360,000 bpd capacity terminal on Monday, opening up potential drilling prospects for over 40 stranded fields in the region.

Similarly, Conoil Producing Limited recently shipped the first cargo of its new Obodo crude blend from the onshore OML 150 in the Niger Delta. The cargo was lifted by Oando Trading, a subsidiary of Oando Plc, which bought ENI’s divested assets.

Following this trend, Renaissance Africa Energy — after acquiring Shell’s onshore assets — is committing to investing $15 billion over the next five years in its oil and gas operations. The company aims not only to balance its portfolio by increasing crude oil production but also to double its gas output once a key local gas pipeline is completed.

Similarly, Seplat Energy following its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian shallow-water assets, recently announced plans to reopen 400 previously shut-in wells. CEO Roger Brown said the company is set to invest up to $320 million this year in drilling campaigns and infrastructure, with the goal of boosting crude production to around 140,000 barrels per day.

“We are focused on reviving existing wells, expanding drilling campaigns, and increasing gas volumes,” Brown said during the company’s annual general meeting.

While these developments show the increasing role local producers are playing amidst government reforms, they are also grappling with challenges.

“These operators face higher costs due to security challenges, community disputes, oil theft and ageing infrastructure – a key aspect of reducing costs for operators will be addressing these challenges,” said Mikolah Judson, an analyst at global risk consultancy, Control Risk.

These local players signal a new phase for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and could provide support for the government’s plan to raise oil output by an additional 1 million barrels per day (bpd) next year, the head of Nigeria’s oil regulator said.

They now account for over half of Nigeria’s oil production from around 40% before the oil majors completed their divestment programmes, according to the regulator’s data.

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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.

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law has accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of acting in a manner that amounts to terrorising former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Professor Kwaku Ansa-Asare believes the handling of the corruption probe by the OSP is excessive, unfair, and unconstitutional.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, June 3, Prof Ansa-Asare questioned the basis for the OSP treating Mr Ofori-Atta as if he were a convicted criminal.

“Ken Ofori-Atta, as at now, is not a suspect who has been tried. He has not been found guilty. No one has established his guilt, so he’s a suspect,” he said.

He stressed that the Constitution protects all citizens from being treated as guilty before trial.

“Because he’s a suspect under Article 19, Clause 3 of our own Constitution, he is presumed to be innocent until we are able to bring him down,” he added.

Prof Ansa-Asare was especially alarmed by what he described as an aggressive approach by the Special Prosecutor.

“My take on this whole issue is, why declare him the most wanted fugitive running away from justice?” he asked.

“You are making Ken look like a murderous fugitive who has stolen all the assets.”

He emphasised that the issues raised by the OSP so far have not been proven offences.

“The Special Prosecutor has outlined five very serious issues. Not offences, issues. If they are not established offences, there’s a way all of us will have to go about it, because of dignity and the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution,” he explained.

When asked if the OSP was being high-handed, Prof Ansa-Asare responded directly.

“I think the state hasn’t approached it in a way that connects with the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.

“If the Constitution gives us the presumption of innocence, don’t declare anybody the most wanted fugitive on a Red Alert he can deposit on the way.”

He said the result of such actions is fear and humiliation. “When you terrorise an innocent citizen, the end result is that he’s so intimidated he will find it difficult to come back. Because the moment the plane lands, he will be arrested,” he warned.

Asked again if he believed Ofori-Atta was being terrorised, Prof Ansa-Asare was unequivocal.

“I think so,” he replied. “The long arm of the criminal law is seeking to arrest him. So it’s now longer than what we are imagining. We could have gone about it in a much more decent manner.”

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.

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law has cautioned the legal team of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to stop antagonising the public in their handling of the Special Prosecutor’s case against their client.

Professor Kwaku Ansa-Asare said the strategy being deployed by the former minister’s lawyers is backfiring and provoking public anger at a time when national patience over corruption is wearing thin.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, June 3, Prof Ansa-Asare expressed disappointment at the legal team’s posture.

“What they are rather doing is antagonising the entire nation. They are infuriating people. They are provoking people,” he said.

He argued that the legal team’s public handling of Ofori-Atta’s reported illness was damaging the former minister’s credibility and eroding any sympathy he might have earned.

“It is a very sensational and screaming case which is testing the endurance of the Republic of Ghana in its fight against corruption,” he noted.

Prof Ansa-Asare said if Ofori-Atta is genuinely sick, as claimed, the right thing to do is to submit credible medical documentation in line with the law.

“If you are sick, please produce the document, because under the OSP law, there must be production of documents. After all, the law deals with evidence,” he advised.

He emphasised that no one, including the Special Prosecutor, will drag an ill person through the legal system without just cause.

“The Special Prosecutor is a human being. I don’t think he will, by all means, attempt to bring Ken Ofori-Atta to face the rigours of the law if he’s sick,” he said.

However, he warned that the absence of proper legal communication was creating the wrong impression.

“Putting out information on the internet that the former Finance Minister has been diagnosed with cancer, and therefore cannot show up physically, I think, will be begging the question,” he argued.

Prof Ansa-Asare made it clear that he does not oppose the right of any accused person to fair treatment.

But he insisted that public trust must be protected through transparent legal processes.

“Perhaps the legal team is not approaching the matter in a way that will attract the sympathy of the nation,” he warned.

“If I were in charge of the legal team, my advice to Ken would be that if you are sick, please produce the document, because under the OSP law, there must be production of documents.

“After all, the law deals with evidence. So if there’s hard evidence, no one can run away from the pieces of evidence that will be available,” he concluded.

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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.

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his unwavering support for the autonomy of Ghana’s anti-corruption organizations, promising not to meddle in existing investigations or pressure the dismissal of any cases.

During a meeting with the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption at Jubilee House on Tuesday, May 3, the President expressed his respect for prosecutorial independence and the rule of law.

“I have told the public and assured my Attorney General and Minister of Justice that I am not going to interfere in their work.

“If the anti-corruption agencies go after anybody, I am not going to try and influence them to drop any investigation against anybody, including those who served in the previous regime, many cases of whom we are currently investigating,” President Mahama said.

KA

The Energy Sector fee (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which imposes a GH¢1 fee on petroleum products, has been approved by Parliament.

The contentious bill was approved late today, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, with the goal of generating more money to pay off the country’s chronic energy sector debt and guarantee a steady supply of electricity.

The overall debt of the energy sector as of March 2025 is US$3.1 billion, according to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who laid the measure under a certificate of urgency.

He added that in order to pay off this debt in full, at least US$3.7 billion will be needed, and an extra US$1.2 billion will be needed to buy the fuel that thermal power plants need to run throughout 2025.

Customers will not immediately see a price increase as the Minister promised Parliament that the effects of the new charge on ex-pump prices would be “absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi.”

The Minority Caucus, on the other hand, strongly opposed the law, calling it an unwarranted burden on Ghanaians.

They contended that the Majority side lacked the necessary numbers to make a legally binding judgment on the measure, and their resistance resulted in a walkout during the approval process.

Before the vote, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had fervently argued for the levy, arguing that it was an essential communal sacrifice to put an end to the ongoing “dumsor” power crisis.

He made a conscious effort to differentiate the new charge from the government’s recently scrapped and highly unpopular E-levy.

Mr Ayariga asked Ghanaians to ensure a steady power future by contributing “one cedi, just one cedi” each liter of fuel.

To alleviate the financial difficulties facing the energy sector, it is anticipated that the approval of this measure will result in an extra GH¢5.7 billion in revenue each year.

KA

Madam Grace Adjei Darko, a market queen mother in the Ashanti Region

Market Queen Mothers in the Ashanti Region have called on traders across the country to reduce the prices of goods to reflect the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, particularly against the US dollar.

Speaking at a press conference held in Kumasi, the Queen Mothers applauded President John Dramani Mahama for his effective leadership, which they said has led to a strengthening of the local currency and a significant drop in fuel prices over the past five months.

Madam Grace Adjei Darko, the Adwenhemaa of the Ashanti Region, said traders have a responsibility to adjust their prices in line with the improved economic indicators.

She emphasised that reducing the cost of goods and transport fares would help ease the financial burden on Ghanaians.

“We commend President Mahama for the stability he has brought to the economy.

Now that the cedi is performing strongly and fuel prices are down, we urge our fellow traders and commercial drivers to reflect these changes in their pricing,” Madam Adjei Darko stated.

She further appealed to the government to continue with efforts to sustain the cedi’s appreciation and proposed the introduction of a duty-free port policy to help lower the cost of imported goods.

Nana Akosua Pokua, the Anweniehemaa of Abediakyire, also took the opportunity to highlight key infrastructural needs in the region. She urged the President to prioritise the completion of phase two of the Kumasi Central Market Redevelopment Project, as well as the Krofrom Market, which she noted are critical to commercial activity in the region.

She also called for improvements to road infrastructure in parts of the Ashanti Region to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and people.

Ghanaian fashionista, Osebo the Zaraman has reacted to the new Kwame Despite project

A video of popular Ghanaian fashionista, Osebo the Zaraman, has gone viral on social media following the commissioning of business mogul, Osei Kwame Despite’s automobile museum.

In a video shared on X on June 2, 2025, Osebo the Zaraman expressed shock after touring the premises.

The fashionista, who couldn’t hide his excitement after touring the museum, debunked the notion that “money is the root of all evil.”

According to him, the narrative that money is the root of all evil is false, therefore, the youth should take inspiration from Despite’s luxurious vehicles.

“Who said money is the root of all evil? Money is not the root of all evil. You people are not okay. This type of car is not in heaven. There is nothing like heaven. The heaven you are talking about is the one we are standing on right now,” he said.

Meanwhile, the museum’s launch drew an impressive list of high-profile attendees from across Ghana, including business magnate Ibrahim Mahama, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, actor and politician John Dumelo, and several entertainment figures such as Kwaku Manu, Efia Odo, KOD, and Sarkodie.

The Despite Automobile Museum captures a stunning collection of vintage classics, cutting-edge supercars, and includes an interactive driving simulator designed to offer visitors a fully immersive automotive experience.

Watch the video below:

“Money is not the root of all evil” – “Ghanaian businessman, Osebo The Zaraman was left in awe during his tour of the newly commissioned Despite Automobile Museum, owned by business mogul Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, located in East Legon, Accra. pic.twitter.com/K28irqI4TQ

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 2, 2025

JHM/AE

Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:

Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu

The Ministry of Education has directed the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to conduct an audit into how public universities have utilised their Internally Generated Funds (IGFs).

Minister Haruna Iddrisu stated that there is an urgent need to assess how these funds are contributing to access to quality education and the development of educational infrastructure.

He made the remarks during the commissioning of the Dr. Paul Effah Conference Hall for the Ghana Tertiary Education sector on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

According to him, while the government continues to support public universities, it is equally critical for the institutions to demonstrate prudent use of their own generated revenues.

“We must shine a light on the universities’ utilisation of their IGFs and how that benefits the expansion of access to quality higher education, particularly through the provision of residential halls and, more importantly, lecture theatres,” he stated.

He also tasked the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) with developing a comprehensive blueprint for the establishment of polytechnics in every region.

He disclosed that these regional polytechnics will serve as transitional institutions, equipping students with the hands-on competencies needed for the job market.

“…Don’t you think that another layer is for us to have a polytechnic in each region of Ghana to provide a link between senior high school and the university? What do we do to improve the industry connection?

“So maybe your council would want to look into this and provide the President with a blueprint. It is a possible path to expanding access to higher education that the government should consider — to see if we can establish a polytechnic in each of the 16 regions of Ghana, focusing on employability and industry relevance.”

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is yet to decide his future at Leicester City

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew says he is yet to decide his future at Leicester City following the club’s relegation from the English Premier League.

Ayew, who joined the Foxes from Crystal Palace in August 2024, endured a challenging debut season under Dutch manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, making 36 appearances and scoring six goals. Despite individual flashes of brilliance, Leicester managed just six wins all season, sealing their second top-flight relegation in three years.

The East Midlands side also set an unwanted Premier League record by failing to score in nine consecutive home matches, surpassing a record previously held by Manchester City.

“I haven’t had time to reflect. I need to go on holiday, sit down and think about the whole season,” Ayew told Flashscore. “It is what it is. The deed is done, and we move on.”

The 33-year-old, who signed a two-year deal reportedly worth £5 million, still has a year left on his contract but says he will take time before making any decisions about his future.

“Staying is an option, and leaving is also an option,” Ayew added. “But I’m happy there. I just want to play football and enjoy myself — that’s what makes me happy.”

King Promise, freshly crowned Artiste of the Year, who will not only perform live but also offer attendees a rare glimpse into his personal journey—reflecting on the milestones, challenges, and stories behind the music that earned him top honours.

The evening would also feature show-stopping performances from rising voices like Titi Owusu, Scott Evans, and the genre-bending duo Lali x Lola, adding even more soul and spark to the lineup.

As part of the evening’s highlights, the Mixer will include the formal presentation of plaques to winners of the 26th TGMA, held on May 10, 2025—a night that saw over 20 artists and music professionals recognized for their exceptional contributions to the industry.

This invite-only affair would host the movers, makers, and masterminds of the music ecosystem.

Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GH¢1 levy on petroleum products.

The controversial bill, intended to raise additional revenue to address the nation’s crippling energy sector debt and ensure stable power supply, was passed late today, Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who laid the bill under a certificate of urgency, stated that the energy sector’s total indebtedness stands at US$3.1 billion as of March 2025.

He further explained that a minimum of US$3.7 billion is required to fully clear this debt, with an additional US$1.2 billion needed to procure essential fuel for thermal power generation throughout 2025.

The Minister assured Parliament that the impact of the new levy on ex-pump prices would be “absorbed by the gains made from the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi”, meaning consumers would not experience an immediate price hike.

However, the Minority Caucus vehemently opposed the bill, describing it as an inappropriate burden on Ghanaians.

Their resistance culminated in a walkout during the approval process, as they argued that the Majority side lacked the requisite numbers to make a binding decision on the bill.

Prior to the vote, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had passionately appealed for the levy, framing it as a necessary collective sacrifice to end the persistent power crises known as “dumsor”.

He explicitly sought to distinguish the new levy from the widely unpopular E-levy, which was recently repealed by the government.

Mr Ayariga urged Ghanaians to contribute “one cedi, just one cedi” per litre of fuel to secure a stable power future.

The passage of this bill is expected to generate an additional GH¢5.7 billion in revenue annually to address the energy sector’s financial woes.

While the government maintains that the strong Cedi will cushion consumers from direct price increases, the Minority’s walkout highlights deep divisions over the approach to resolving Ghana’s energy sector challenges.

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play videoParliament is considering the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025 under a Certifcate of Urgency

Parliament is set to approve an increment in the Energy Sector Levy, raising it to GH₵1 per liter of petroleum products.

The Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025, according to the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is aimed at bolstering revenue for energy sector reforms.

The proposed hike, part of the government’s fiscal strategy, seeks to address funding gaps in power generation and distribution.

The minister presenting the bill on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, argued that it will stabilize the sector.

The bill introduced under a Certificate of Urgency is expected to pass following debates.

Watch the proceedings below: