Veteran Ghanaian rapper, Emmanuel Kofi Kwaw Kese, has endorsed the newly introduced GHS1 petroleum levy imposed by the NDC government.

Kwaw Kese stated in a video shared on Instagram, June 9, that he would choose the "Dumsor Levy" over the E-Levy, which the previous NPP government implemented.

He compares the demand of the previous NPP government with the NDC and concludes that the GHS1.00 levy is rather generous of the government than a burden to citizens.

"The price of fuel has been reduced from GH¢16 to GH¢12 per liter. Which means he has dashed Ghanaians GH¢4. And if he is now saying that, give GH¢1 out of the GH¢4... I think it makes sense.

"I know some people will make politics out of this. But I think it makes sense if we want to build a great nation. I will advise us to put the politics aside and work towards how we can develop the country," he said.

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The new bill introduces a GH¢1 levy on petroleum products, intended to help offset Ghana's longstanding energy sector debt and support stable electricity supply.

The Minority in Parliament has announced plans to embark on a nationwide campaign against the implementation of a GHC1 fuel levy.

On Monday, June 8, the caucus held a press briefing describing the tax measure as "draconian" and unjust.

“It is already clear that the government intends to go ahead with the implementation of this draconian levy."

“We want to advertise that we would be embarking on the following: We will continuously engage the people of Ghana, civil society groups, driver unions and the media to showcase the true impact of these draconian taxes and the negative levy that the government is imposing on us,” the Minority said.

The Minority also emphasized its backing for driver unions, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, and other concerned groups who have publicly asked for the scrapping of the levy or seek more consultation on the matter.

“We would continue to stand with groups of honest Ghanaians, the driver unions, the Chamber of Oil Marketers who are opposing the levy or asking government to pull back and to engage better—not to go by this midnight introduction into Parliament and using their numbers to push it through,” the group declared.

Adding that, “We know the government has a lot of goodwill, but this is not the way to do things.”

The minority joined industry players in warning that the new levy would pile more taxes on fuel, with total taxes at the pump expected to reach approximately 26%.

“We will continue to stand in solidarity with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies in their position that this downstream sector is already heavily over-taxed,” they stated.

“If you add this new levy, effectively about 26% of what you are paying at the pump is all taxes.”

They called on the government to withdraw the levy and adopt “less painful and more pragmatic options” for dealing with the financial challenges in the energy sector.

The government is set to implement the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after its assent by President John Mahama which introduces a GH¢1.00 petroleum levy, following approval by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3.

The president signed the bill today after defending the necessity of the bill despite opposition from the Minority in Parliament and some stakeholders in the energy sector.

President Mahama on Wednesday announced the government's decision to clear the accumulated legacy debts in the power sector with part of the revenue generated by the yet-to-be-implemented levy.

He stated that "initially much of this revenue will go to the purchasing of fuel to ensure stable power of electricity."

The government will also reduce the use of liquid fuel in the energy mix as it expects more gas from the ENI, Sankofa, Jubilee and TEN fields, as well as the West African Gas Pipeline.

"At that stage, the resources generated by this increased levy will be channeled to pay accumulated legacy debts in the power sector," he added.

He assured Ghanaians that funds generated from the newly approved GHC1 fuel levy will undergo regular audits.

He explained the move is to ensure accountability and transparency.

"Funds from this levy will not be subject to the hazards of the Consolidated Fund. The fund will be regularly audited and audit reports made public to ensure its transparent use."

It is expected to take effect on June 16.

Watch the video below:

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