Review GH¢1 Fuel Levy as Fuel Prices Rise – Wordi David

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, Mr. Wordi David, has called on government to give serious consideration to proposals by the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) to review the GH¢1 fuel levy, amid expectations of another increase in fuel prices.

Speaking on the Bubune Breakfast Show hosted by Nana Yaw Asiamah, Mr. David said the issue should be treated as a national concern rather than a partisan debate, as rising fuel prices continue to put pressure on households and businesses.

According to him, both COPEC and COMAC have projected that fuel prices in Ghana are likely to increase due to rising crude oil prices on the international market. In response, COMAC has proposed that government temporarily suspend the GH¢1 fuel levy to cushion consumers against the expected increase.

Mr. David noted that when the levy was introduced, fuel prices were considerably lower. However, with pump prices now climbing because of developments on the global oil market, he believes there is a strong case for government to review the policy.

“People are already struggling with the rising cost of living. If suspending or reducing the GH¢1 levy can provide some relief to consumers, then government should seriously consider it,” he said.

He expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama would carefully consider the concerns raised by stakeholders through Cabinet deliberations and take a decision that serves the national interest.

Mr. David explained that the GH¢1 fuel levy was introduced to help address longstanding financial challenges in Ghana’s energy sector. According to him, the previous administration left behind significant debts, while operational inefficiencies within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) further weakened the sector’s financial position.

He alleged that multiple accounts created within ECG affected the proper management of energy‑sector revenues, contributing to challenges such as damaged transformers, inadequate maintenance of infrastructure, and persistent operational difficulties.

He said government introduced the levy as a dedicated source of funding to stabilise the energy sector, improve electricity supply, and help prevent recurring power outages.

However, he acknowledged that current market conditions have changed considerably since the levy was introduced.

Mr. David said the proposals by COMAC deserve careful evaluation, stressing that government should explore practical measures that will ease the burden on Ghanaians without undermining efforts to restore financial stability in the energy sector.

While maintaining that the levy was introduced for a legitimate purpose, he argued that the anticipated increase in fuel prices makes a temporary suspension or reduction worthy of consideration.

He concluded by urging the public to remain patient as government consults stakeholders and evaluates the proposals, expressing optimism that any decision reached would strike a balance between protecting consumers and sustaining Ghana’s energy sector.