The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has defended the continued implementation of the GH?1 fuel levy, rejecting calls from the Minority in Parliament for its abolition.

Richmond Rockson, Spokesperson and Head of Communications at the Ministry, told Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, March 18, that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to policies that serve the best interests of Ghanaians.

He emphasised that the President is attentive to citizens’ concerns and assured that government decisions are made carefully to benefit the country.

Rockson explained that the GH?1 levy, introduced under the amended Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) in 2025, was designed to address critical shortfalls in the energy sector, particularly for the procurement of liquid fuels.

“In June 2025, when the Finance Minister tabled the bill in Parliament, it was clearly stated that the one cedi per litre levy was to help deal with energy sector shortfalls, especially in the procurement of liquid fuels,” he said.

He dismissed claims by the Minority that the levy has outlived its usefulness, insisting that the rationale behind its introduction remains valid.

The comments follow calls by the Minority in Parliament for the immediate removal of the levy, which they described as a burden on consumers amid rising fuel prices. The Minority argues that the energy sector’s debts have largely been cleared and that the continued imposition of the levy is no longer justified.

However, the government maintains that a careful and objective assessment of the policy is necessary before any decision is taken, highlighting the levy’s importance in sustaining stability in the energy sector.