Ghanaians prefer fuel levy over E-Levy – Prof. Gyampo defends new tax

Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, has stated that Ghanaians are more willing to accept the newly introduced GH¢1 per litre fuel levy, than previous controversial taxes such as the Electronic Levy and COVID-19 levy.

His remarks come days after Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill on June 3, 2025, which adds GH¢1 per litre to the price of petroleum products.

The government says the new levy is critical for addressing the country’s growing energy sector debt and stabilizing power supply.

Speaking out in a strongly worded post on social media, Prof. Gyampo defended the policy and accused the previous administration of contributing to the current energy sector crisis.

“Ghanaians would prefer to pay 1 cedi fuel levy to be used to solve a problem than to pay 1 pesewa e-levy or COVID levy to be stolen by greedy people who also stole pensions of the aged,” he wrote. “Ato won’t chop the 1 cedi, he would use it to solve the mess left behind.”

Prof. Gyampo argued that the current administration, led by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, has shown greater commitment to transparency and national development. He claimed the GH¢1 levy represents a strategic and necessary intervention to clear nearly $4 billion in inherited energy sector debt.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which accuses the government of going back on its promise to avoid excessive taxation. The NPP says the new fuel levy will further burden ordinary Ghanaians already struggling with high living costs.

Despite the controversy, a section of Ghanaians appear more receptive to the new levy, especially when compared to the unpopular E-Levy, which was widely criticized as regressive and ineffective.

Mike 105.3 FM | Navrongo | Alexander Kubabom

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