Energy levy raised GH¢8.8bn in 2025 but Ghana spent GH¢22.7bn on energy debts
Ghana's Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy generated GH¢8.81 billion in 2025, according to a report presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
Ghana's Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy generated GH¢8.81 billion in 2025, according to a report presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
The annual report on the levy shows that the funds were paid into the Energy Sector Support Account, which was established to finance energy sector shortfalls and repay legacy debts.
An additional GH¢1.26 billion was carried forward from previous balances, bringing the total amount available in the account during the year to GH¢10.07 billion.
Of that amount, GH¢9.82 billion was utilised in 2025. The report said GH¢6.32 billion was used to address energy sector financing shortfalls, while GH¢3.52 billion was allocated to the repayment of legacy debt.
Despite the revenue generated by the levy, the report noted that the funds were insufficient to meet the sector's overall financing requirements.
To bridge the gap, the Controller and Accountant-General's Department released an additional GH¢12.85 billion from the Treasury Main Account.
According to the report, GH¢5.16 billion of the Treasury support was used to cover energy sector shortfalls, while GH¢7.69 billion went towards the repayment of legacy debt obligations.
In total, government spent GH¢22.67 billion from both the Energy Sector Support Account and the Treasury Main Account to support the energy sector and settle outstanding debts during the 2025 fiscal year.
"Lodgements for the period under review amounted to GH¢8.81 billion, exceeding projections by GH¢158.25 million, or 1.8%," the report stated.
It added that total utilisation from the Energy Sector Support Account amounted to GH¢9.82 billion, leaving a closing balance of GH¢252.23 million at the end of the year.
The Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy imposes a GH¢1-per-litre charge on selected petroleum products. It was introduced to raise funds for fuel purchases for thermal power generation and to address accumulated liabilities within the energy sector.
The levy has previously attracted calls for greater transparency from some stakeholders. However, government says the funds have played a significant role in maintaining electricity supply and improving the financial position of the energy sector.