Government suspends controversial fuel levy

The Government of Ghana has suspended indefinitely the new fuel levy which was scheduled for implementation today, reports Energy News Africa. The new levy imposed Gh¢1 ($ 0.10) on every litre of petroleum products namely petrol, diesel, LPG and Marine Gas Oil. The aim was to generate about Gh¢450m ($44 383 950) every month to settle nearly $3m debt in the energy sector. The levy received opposition from a section of Ghanaians including the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies and the Minority Caucus in Parliament, citing lack of stakeholder consultation. In a statement issued by the Commissioner of GRA, Anthony Sarpong, it said his outfit had been instructed by the Minister for Finance to put the implementation on hold. The statement said a new effective date would be announced in due course. The suspension provides a temporary relief to consumers amid concerns over the rising fuel prices and cost of living pressures.