Energy sector stakeholders are calling for accountability regarding the GH₵1 fuel levy and for transparent measures to tackle ongoing revenue and supply deficiencies.
On July 16, 2025, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) instructed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement a GH₵1-per-litre Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy on refined petroleum products.
This levy was established to generate additional funds for the energy sector, primarily to finance fuel acquisitions for thermal power plants and to settle existing debts within the sector.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is seeking clarification on the total amount collected and the manner in which these funds are being utilized.
Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah emphasizes that the government should provide an update during the 2026 Budget presentation, while also prioritizing the funding for a second gas processing plant to enhance Ghana’s energy security.
“Thus far, the economy appears to have adjusted to accommodate the levy. We wish to see any necessary actions taken to solidify this adjustment. Furthermore, the tax must be accounted for, and we anticipate that the Finance Minister will include it in the budget as well.
“We would also appreciate any information the Finance Minister has regarding the progress of Train II, which is intended to complement the existing gas processor at Atuabo, as it significantly benefits the economy,” Duncan Amoah remarked.
In the downstream sector, fuel prices have decreased in the initial pricing window of November, supported by slight cedi stability and favorable international petroleum product prices.
Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy, states that maintaining currency stability will be crucial for sustaining the current downward trend in fuel prices.
He also urges the government to implement policies aimed at addressing the ongoing revenue shortfalls in the energy sector.
“Whatever the Finance Minister is planning regarding the initiation of train II to supplement the existing gas processor at Atuabo, we would be pleased to receive that information as it significantly benefits this economy,” Duncan Amoah stated.
In the downstream sector, fuel prices have decreased in the initial pricing window of November, supported by slight stability in the cedi and favorable international petroleum product prices.
Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy, emphasizes that maintaining currency stability is crucial for continuing the current decline in fuel prices at the pumps.
He also calls on the government to implement policies designed to address ongoing revenue shortfalls in the energy sector.
“The data indicate that revenue mobilization has improved under this administration by ECG, but we believe that system losses remain excessively high. Through such partnerships, we can reduce or manage these significant system losses and ensure financial and operational discipline at ECG. We anticipate further developments regarding private sector involvement,” Benjamin Nsiah commented.
While the downstream petroleum market demonstrates some resilience, Ghana’s upstream oil and gas sector continues to encounter challenges.
Benjamin Nsiah cautions that without revising current upstream regulations to attract new investments, the sector’s declining output may adversely affect government revenue objectives and long-term energy sustainability.
“We must reassess our regulatory and licensing frameworks to facilitate the presence of medium operators in the industry, enabling them to increase production to meet the revenue targets projected for our budget from 2025 to 2030,” he emphasized.
