‘NPP MPs were part of the GH¢1 fuel levy proposal, they should stop the misinformation' – Majority

A fresh round of political sparring has erupted in Ghana’s Parliament over the recently approved GH¢1 energy sector levy, with the Majority accusing the Minority of dishonesty.

The levy, which aims to raise funds to support critical operations in the energy sector, has sparked public outcry and parliamentary debate, particularly from the Minority, who claim the bill was rushed through without proper stakeholder consultation.

Describing the process as secretive, the Minority alleges that the government failed to follow due procedure and did not engage industry players or the general public before pushing the legislation through.

But in a firm rebuttal, Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, rejected the accusations, insisting that the Minority was not only consulted but actively participated in all deliberations leading to the passage of the bill.

“All the members on the Minority side in the Finance Committee and all the leaders of the Energy Committee were present in the committee meeting when we discussed this amendment bill. We all went through the bill, and no one went out. They were all there," Bedzrah stated.

He pointed out that key figures from the Minority, including Honourable George Kwame Aboagye and Collins Adomako Mensah, were fully present and engaged throughout the committee process.

“Honourable George Kwame Aboagye, Collins Adomako Mensah, also together with all the Minority MPs. They were all there. At the end, the majority decision was taken, and then you organised a conference to say you were not consulted. This is deliberate misinformation from the Minority," he added.

The energy sector levy is part of a broader fiscal strategy by the government to address persistent challenges in the power and petroleum sectors, including debt accumulation and unreliable supply chains. While supporters argue the levy is necessary to stabilise energy infrastructure, critics warn it will deepen the financial burden on ordinary Ghanaians.

With the debate intensifying, it remains to be seen whether political consensus can be reached on how best to manage the country’s energy needs without worsening the economic pressure on citizens.