Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has described the government's explanation for the postponement of the controversial Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) as "laughable" and unconvincing.
Speaking in reaction to the announcement that the levy's implementation has been suspended indefinitely on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday June 15, Adomako-Mensah questioned the credibility of the government's justification - which cited rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. "If you recall during the debate, we were told that this particular levy will not lead to an increase in petroleum prices," he said. "The reason being given by the government - that because of the Iran and Israel war the levy is being postponed - is quite interesting, if not laughable." The levy, introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), was intended to raise funds to address the country's $3.1 billion energy sector debt.
However, its potential impact on fuel prices and the broader economy drew criticism from civil society, industry players, and the opposition.
Adomako-Mensah pointed out what he sees as a glaring inconsistency in the government's handling of external economic factors. "A few months ago, they were vehemently opposed to our assertion that the Russia-Ukraine war was having a toll on our economy," he said. "Now they want Ghanaians to believe that a conflict in the Middle East is enough reason to delay a levy they claimed wouldn't affect fuel prices.
