Member of Parliament for Oforikrom, Michael Kwasi Aidoo, has questioned government’s management of energy sector funds, asking why Ghanaians continue to experience persistent power outages despite increased levies and rising utility tariffs.
Speaking on GHToday on GHOne TV, Mr. Aidoo said the introduction of the one cedi levy on every litre of fuel was meant to support the energy sector, yet the country continues to struggle with unstable electricity supply.
“What we are asking is that this government came to Parliament, asked for one cedi to be placed on every litre of fuel that you buy,” he stated.
According to him, Ghana consumes more than 500 million litres of fuel monthly, meaning government is generating hundreds of millions of cedis each month from the levy alone.
READ: Ghanaians want solutions, not excuses for power outages – Oforikrom MP
“We generate almost 500 or more, about 600 million cedis every month to the government,” he said, adding that the levy is collected upfront before fuel is distributed to filling stations.
Mr. Aidoo questioned why these resources are not being used effectively to address fuel and gas supply challenges affecting power generation plants such as Asogli.
“What is so difficult to be able to use some of those funds to buy the fuel or the gas… so that we will not experience this dumsor?” he asked.
The legislator also demanded greater transparency regarding how proceeds from the levy are being utilised.
“What is the one cedi being used for? Because if the one cedi was being used for its intended purposes, we wouldn’t be here talking,” he said.
He further criticised recent utility tariff hikes, arguing that consumers are paying significantly more for electricity while enduring unreliable power supply.
“Today, they’ve increased it to about 28%, which all of us are bearing the brunt of it,” he said.
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Mr. Aidoo noted that many Ghanaians are struggling with the cost of prepaid electricity, with some consumers complaining that purchased credit depletes rapidly.
“So if you are taking all these monies, why should we sleep in dumsor?” he questioned.
He stressed that Ghanaians are not interested in explanations but expect government to deliver stable electricity in return for the additional taxes and levies imposed on them.
“The Ghanaian people do not want excuses… What they want is solutions,” he stated.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
