The Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission of Ghana, Lamtiig A. Apanga, has cautioned that calls for the immediate removal of the one-cedi fuel levy may be premature, urging a careful assessment of its timing and potential economic impact.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, March 21, Mr. Apanga acknowledged that the levy has largely achieved its intended objectives, including stabilising the energy sector and helping to clear legacy debts.
However, he warned that scrapping the levy at this stage could have serious repercussions for the economy.
“I must say that the call for removal is not out of place, but the timing and appropriateness of the discussion must be carefully considered. We have also observed a relative stability in Ghana’s power supply, largely sustained through payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) using funds generated from the one-cedi fuel levy.
“These payments have enabled the IPPs to continue fueling their plants and providing electricity to the nation,” he stated.
He further cautioned that removing the levy could worsen existing economic pressures.
“Think about it carefully. We have a situation where fuel prices are already high, and then we’re going to face a potential power crisis in addition. Our economy could practically shut down,” he added.
Mr. Apanga noted that the Ministry of Finance is closely monitoring the situation and will review the levy at the appropriate time.
“There may be a time to review it, but particularly at this stage, I think it’s a bit too early. The introduction of that levy has helped to solve some problems. We may have to endure an additional cost for a few more months or even years to ensure stability,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed debate over the GH₵1 Energy Sector Levy, with critics arguing it may no longer be necessary following reports that the debts it was introduced to address have been cleared. Meanwhile, rising fuel prices continue to heighten concerns about the burden on households and businesses.
