Public anger mounts in Ghana over new fuel levy to tackle energy debt

• GHS1-per-litre tax aims to raise GHS5.7bn annually to clear sector arrears
• Business leaders warn of inflationary risks, economic strain on consumers

Accra, Ghana – A wave of public anger is sweeping through Ghana following the government’s sudden imposition of a GHS1 ($0.10) per litre fuel levy, designed to raise funds for the country’s indebted energy sector. The new charge was approved by Parliament on June 3 under a certificate of urgency, just months after the administration scrapped the widely criticised electronic transaction levy.