Keta: Drivers and commuters in the Keta municipality of the Volta Region have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the recent introduction of a 1 cedi per litre fuel levy. The levy, which began on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, has been met with significant public criticism, particularly from opposition parties and some civil society groups who argued that the move would further burden Ghanaians already grappling with high living costs.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. James Tulasi, a taxi driver on the Aflao-Keta Road, said that the fuel levy was announced some months ago by the Energy Ministry and was aimed at reducing the sector's debt overhang and securing long-term energy sustainability. He mentioned that while some believed it would bring an additional cost negatively impacting livelihoods, many rely heavily on fuel and transport for their daily operations. "We are already struggling to make ends meet; the introduction of this levy will only add to our woes. We will have to pass on the cost to our customers, which will make it even harder for them to afford our services," he explained.
Despite public backlash, the Ministry maintained that the one Ghana Cedi charge was a necessary and strategic intervention to ensure consistent power supply, reduce the sector's debt overhang, and secure long-term energy sustainability, which many drivers felt frustrated about. Mr. Tulasi acknowledged the need for the government to address the energy sector challenges but emphasized that drivers cannot afford to pay more for fuel, urging the government to provide clarity on the initiative and reconsider the decision to find alternative solutions.
Madam Sela Amedonu, a commuter, remarked that the introduction of the fuel levy was seen as another blow to the economy and struggling populace who were already facing challenges and attempting to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. Some other drivers and commuters contacted by GNA expressed satisfaction with the fuel levy, describing it as a major booster to help the government generate revenue to resolve financial challenges for smooth operations.
Meanwhile, the introduction of the fuel levy has sparked widespread criticism across the municipality among drivers, with some likening it to another form of e-levy. They appealed to the government to reconsider and adopt other alternatives. Mr. Richmond Rockson, spokesperson for the Energy Ministry, stated that the current administration inherited an energy sector weighed down by heavy debt and inefficiencies across the power and petroleum sub-sectors. He emphasized that the Ghana Revenue Authority has been authorized to begin the collection of the levy from Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and appealed to all citizens to sacrifice and collaborate with the government to restore and strengthen the sectors.
