Economist and political risk analyst Dr. Theophilus Acheampong has hinted at a possible reintroduction of the controversial GH₵1 energy levy, citing persistent financial strain on Ghana’s energy sector and rising geopolitical tensions globally.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr. Acheampong said he believes senior government officials, including the Finance and Energy Ministers, are evaluating the fiscal implications of recent global developments, especially in the Middle East.
“I think the Finance Minister, the Energy Minister, and the rest of the team would be analysing and assessing the impact. I won’t be surprised if the GH₵1 levy comes back in the coming weeks,” he stated.
Although the levy was suspended earlier this year after intense public backlash, he noted that certain portions of the public were accommodating of it — potentially giving the government some basis for its reintroduction if global oil prices remain high.
“We have serious challenges within Ghana’s energy sector and we need to do something about it,” he warned.
Dr. Acheampong also expressed concerns over how previous energy-related levies, including those under the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), have been utilised.
“There are concerns as to how monies that have been collected in the past have been utilised, particularly with ESLA,” he noted.
He urged that any renewed levy should be accompanied by mechanisms for transparency and parliamentary oversight.
“Once we have further assurance and safeguards around the one cedi levy and what it will be used for, and the Minister accounts to Ghanaians through Parliament, perhaps we’ll be looking at some possible solutions to addressing the crisis in the energy sector,” he suggested.
He concluded that the country’s persistent energy challenges—ranging from generation deficits to ballooning utility debts—make policy decisions urgent, especially amid global uncertainties like the conflict in Iran which could further drive fuel prices up.