Dr Elvis Twumasi is the Director of Research and Innovation at ASEC

The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has strongly criticised the government and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) over the decision to postpone the implementation of the GH¢1-per-litre fuel levy instead of cancelling it altogether.

In a statement signed by the Director of Research and Innovation, Dr Elvis Twumasi, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, ASEC described the move as a disappointing and inadequate response to the widespread public opposition that followed the levy’s announcement.

“Postponing a flawed policy does not make it right. The levy is not reformed; it’s simply delayed. That’s not progress,” the statement read.

The levy, initially intended to support the energy sector, has faced intense backlash from consumers, businesses, and civil society.

According to ASEC, while the government has delayed its implementation following consultations, only a full repeal will suffice.

“What consumers demanded was the total removal of the GH¢1 fuel levy, not a pause button. Ghana cannot afford policies that delay pain but do not prevent it,” the statement added.

ASEC also criticised COMAC for endorsing the postponement, accusing the chamber of complacency and of failing to address the urgent challenges within the energy sector.

The organisation further attributed the sector’s financial woes to long-standing governance failures and operational inefficiencies at institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), identifying these as the true root cause.

“It is disheartening that after extensive engagement, the government failed to put consumers at the centre of policy decisions,” ASEC concluded.

SP/MA

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