The Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has clarified that the recent GH₵1 fuel levy introduced by the government is aimed at ensuring a consistent fuel supply to keep the energy sector running smoothly and to prevent a return of the dreaded power outages, popularly known as dumsor.
Speaking on The Pulse on Joy News on Monday, 9th June, Mr Bedzrah dismissed claims that the levy was intended to service energy sector debts.
According to him, the primary objective is to raise funds to procure fuel in excess, thereby guaranteeing continuous power generation and avoiding a potential power crises.
“If you look at the explanation given to us by the ministry of finance, this levy is basically to buy fuel. To buy liquid fuel,” he said.
“We have a shortfall of liquid fuel and if nothing is done about getting liquid fuel the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) will shut down their machines,” he said the Energy Minister, John Jinapor told his committee last week.
The Ho West Legislator added that, the government later found out from Public Utility Regulation Commission (PURC) that “Liquid fuel was not part of competition of tariffs.”
“We thought that the best thing to do is to add just GH₵1 a litre of fuel,” this, to keep the sector running.
His comments come amid ongoing public and political debate over the necessity and timing of the GH₵1 levy, with many Ghanaians and opposition figures calling for its immediate abolition due to the rising cost of living.
Mr Bedzrah, however, urged the public to view the levy as a proactive measure to safeguard energy stability.
The week old levy has sparked widespread concern, with critics, especially members of the main opposition party, New Patriotic Party, arguing that Ghanaians are being deceived by the ruling John Mahama-led administration.
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