The Executive Director of the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC), Justice Ohene-Akoto, has called for the removal of the one-cedi fuel levy on petroleum products, saying it places an unnecessary burden on ordinary Ghanaians.

Speaking on Asaase radio's Big Bulletin, Ohene-Akoto argued that the government cannot rely on taxes alone to solve the deep-rooted challenges facing Ghana’s energy sector.

“We cannot rely on taxes alone to solve the energy sector’s problems. Removing the one-cedi levy on petroleum products is an important step to providing some relief to households struggling with high fuel prices,” he said.

The one-cedi levy, introduced under the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Act of 2025, was originally intended to support the procurement of liquid fuels and reduce legacy debts in the sector. Ohene-Akoto, however, argued that loopholes in its implementation could be addressed without continuing to tax consumers.

Rising fuel prices, driven by global geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, as well as disruptions to key oil supply routes, have added to the financial pressure on Ghanaians. Diesel currently sells at around GH₵15.60 per litre, while petrol has exceeded GH₵12.40 per litre, making everyday expenses heavier for households across the country.

Ohene-Akoto emphasized that continued reliance on levies as a stopgap measure is unsustainable and called for structural reforms to strengthen the energy sector without passing costs to consumers.

“The public deserves transparency and relief. We must address the sector’s issues without punishing the people who depend on affordable energy every day,” Akoto stated.

His comments add to ongoing discussions about balancing the financial needs of Ghana’s energy sector with the need to protect consumers. As fuel prices continue to rise and debates over the one-cedi levy intensify, Ghanaians are watching closely for government action.