Parliament Passes Fuel Levy Bill Amid Minority Walkout
Ghana’s Parliament has passed the controversial Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill, 2025, which imposes a new charge of GHS 1 on every litre of fuel.
The bill was approved on June 3, 2025, despite a dramatic walkout staged by the Minority in protest of the move.The Minority MPs argued that the additional levy would further burden Ghanaians, especially in the face of rising living costs and inflation.
They raised concerns about lack of transparency in the energy sector and demanded that government explore alternative revenue options instead of imposing new taxes on citizens.The Majority, however, defended the bill, stating that the levy is crucial to stabilizing the energy sector, clearing legacy debts, and sustaining power supply.
According to them, the funds generated will be channeled into improving infrastructure and energy efficiency.The walkout by the Minority did not stop the passage of the bill, as the Majority maintained a quorum and voted in favor of it. The levy is expected to take effect by the end of June 2025.Public reaction has been mixed, with civil society groups calling for a review, while transport unions and fuel consumers brace for a potential increase in transportation and commodity prices.
