Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako‑Mensah, has strongly dismissed the government’s explanation for indefinitely suspending the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL), calling it “laughable” and lacking credibility
Speaking on Channel One TV on Sunday, June 15, he criticized the government’s claim that escalating tensions between Iran and Israel justified the postponement. He noted this contradicts earlier assurances that the levy would not impact fuel prices. “If you recall during the debate, we were told that this particular levy will not lead to an increase in petroleum prices,” Mr. Adomako‑Mensah remarked. He added, “The reason given by the government … is quite interesting, if not laughable.” The ESSDRL, part of Act 1141 (Energy Sector Levies Amendment Act, 2025), was introduced to mobilize funds to address Ghana’s US $3.1 billion energy sector debt. However, its potential effect on fuel prices sparked backlash from opposition MPs, civil society groups, and industry stakeholders
Adomako‑Mensah also highlighted the government’s inconsistent approach to foreign crises. He reminded that officials had previously dismissed the economic impact of the Russia‑Ukraine war, yet now cite the Middle East conflict to delay the levy. “They were vehemently opposed to our assertion that the Russia‑Ukraine war was having a toll on our economy. 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,” he stated, calling the explanation insufficient
On June 14, the Ghana Revenue Authority confirmed that the ESSDRL implementation was suspended indefinitely after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) The parliamentary Minority caucus condemned the move as “shameful,” accusing the government of poor planning, inconsistency, and weak economic leadership
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