The minority in Parliament plans to file a Right to Information (RTI) request. They want to know how a GHC1 energy sector levy is being used. This action comes as Ghana faces persistent power outages. The request aims to ensure accountability. It comes from members of Parliament like Habib Iddrisu.
Collins Adomako-Mensah, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, announced the plan. He spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The minority believes the ongoing electricity disruptions are a concern. A recent fire at the Akosombo substation adds to these worries. They question the effectiveness of the GHC1 levy. They also question the transparency of its management.
Adokako-Mensah stated that no report on the levy has reached Parliament. There has been no public accounting for the funds. No independent audit has been published. He noted that the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance have been silent. This silence is on a matter of basic accountability. The levy was introduced to address issues in the energy sector. However, its impact is now being questioned by the opposition.
The minority seeks specific details through their RTI request. They want to know the total revenue collected since the levy started. They also want to know which accounts received these funds. Furthermore, they request information on specific projects and payments made from the money. They are asking for the current balance of the funds, if any remains. This information is crucial for parliamentary oversight. It is also vital for public confidence in managing energy sector finances.
The Minority insists this RTI request is essential. They want to guarantee transparency and oversight. This is about managing public funds in the energy sector. The GHC1 levy, often dubbed the 'dumsor levy', was introduced to help stabilize the power supply. Persistent power interruptions, known locally as 'dumsor', have plagued Ghana for years. The government has often cited financial challenges as a reason for these outages. The collected levy is meant to be a dedicated source of funding for solutions. The lack of transparency is fueling public frustration further.
The request highlights a broader concern about fiscal management in Ghana. Citizens and their representatives expect clear accounting for all taxes and levies collected. The energy sector is a critical part of Ghana's economy. Its stability directly impacts businesses and households. The findings from this RTI request will be closely watched. They could influence future policy decisions. They may also affect investor confidence in the energy sector. The government's response will be a key indicator of its commitment to transparency. This situation underscores the importance of robust data journalism. It helps hold institutions accountable for public finances. The minority's move signals a potential escalation in parliamentary scrutiny of government spending.