The International Perspective for Policy and Governance (IPPG) has registered its concern over the recent passage of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which among others, introduces an additional GHS 1 Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Recovery Levy (ESSDRL) per litre of fuel under the Energy Sector Levies Act(ESLA). As a non-partisan public policy think tank dedicated to promoting sustainable development, fiscal accountability, and inclusive governance, IPPG is compelled to speak out on what appears to be, yet another tax measure imposed without adequate public consultation or transparent justification.
Lack of Stakeholder Engagement Undermines Credibility The swift passage of the levy with limited input from the public, civil society, and key industry actors represents a missed opportunity for participatory governance.
Broader consultation is a basic principle in sound policymaking and legislative processes. The decision to raise fuel levies, bringing total tax and levy components to over 26% of the ex-pump price undermines public and stakeholder trust, regardless of the recent decline in fuel prices due to the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the U.S.
dollar.
