Economist and political threat analyst, Dr Theophilus Acheampong, has hinted on the potential reintroduction of the controversial GH₵1 power levy, citing mounting monetary stress on Ghana’s power sector and the rising affect of worldwide geopolitical tensions.
Talking on JoyNews’ AM Present on Tuesday, 24 June, Dr Acheampong instructed that senior authorities officers, together with the Ministers for Finance and Power, are possible assessing the fiscal scenario and the implications of escalating international conflicts, notably within the Center East.
“I feel the Finance Minister, the Power Minister, and the remainder of the group could be analysing and assessing the affect. I gained’t be shocked if the GH₵1 levy comes again within the coming weeks,” he said.
He acknowledged that though the earlier implementation of the levy confronted public opposition, sure segments of the inhabitants had been comparatively accommodating, giving the federal government potential grounds to revive it—particularly if oil costs proceed to rise.
The levy, initially launched earlier this yr to assist the ailing power sector, was suspended following widespread backlash from civil society teams and the Minority in Parliament. Nonetheless, Ghana’s power sector stays in deep monetary misery.
“Now we have critical challenges inside Ghana’s power sector and we have to do one thing about it,” Dr Acheampong warned.
He additionally raised issues over the shortage of transparency and accountability in using earlier energy-related levies, notably these collected underneath the Power Sector Levies Act (ESLA).
“There are issues as to how monies which have been collected previously have been utilised, notably with ESLA,” he noticed.
Dr Acheampong urged that any reintroduction of the levy needs to be accompanied by clear mechanisms for parliamentary oversight and clear reporting.
“As soon as we’ve got additional assurance and safeguards across the one cedi levy and what it is going to be used for, and the Minister accounts to Ghanaians via Parliament, maybe we’ll be taking a look at some potential options to addressing the disaster within the power sector,” he instructed.
He famous that Ghana continues to grapple with persistent power issues, together with technology shortfalls, rising utility money owed, and excessive dependence on imported gas.
Ongoing conflicts in areas like Iran, and their potential affect on international oil costs, have additional uncovered the nation’s power vulnerabilities.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Feedback, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform don’t essentially symbolize the views or coverage of Multimedia Group Restricted.
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