Ghanaian clergyman, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has joined the growing debate surrounding the controversial Dumsor Levy, recently introduced by the government to stabilize the nation’s energy sector.
The levy, officially part of the broader Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA), includes a GH₵1 fuel levy that adds one Ghana cedi per litre of fuel.
Finance Minister Honorable Ato Forson explained in Parliament that this levy was implemented to raise critical revenue aimed at clearing accumulated debts owed to power producers and stabilizing Ghana’s electricity supply amid rising costs.
The fuel levy was designed to ease the financial pressure on energy companies and curb the persistent power outages popularly known as “dumsor.”
Despite its intended purpose, the levy has sparked significant controversy and public dissatisfaction. Many Ghanaians view the additional charge as unfair, especially since power outages have continued.
Critics have also raised concerns over the lack of transparency regarding how funds collected through the levy are managed, with allegations of misappropriation leading to growing distrust in the government’s handling of the energy crisis.
Prophet Kofi Oduro has strongly condemned the leadership within Ghana’s energy sector, attributing the financial crisis to their irresponsibility. He questioned President Nana Akufo-Addo on whether the same leaders responsible for the sector’s current financial troubles would continue to manage it.
Prophet Oduro emphasized that if the majority of Ghanaians are diligently paying their taxes and electricity bills, the sector’s mounting debts suggest serious mismanagement.
The Dumsor Levy remains a hotly debated issue, with calls for increased accountability and transparent governance as the public seeks sustainable solutions to Ghana’s ongoing power supply challenges.
