The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has welcomed the government’s decision to remove selected taxes and margins on petroleum products, describing the move as bold and timely amid rising global energy pressures.
The announcement, made by the government on Thursday, April 9, 2026, reflects what ASEC calls a “responsive and people-centred approach” to energy governance.
ASEC praised President John Dramani Mahama and his administration for acting swiftly to cushion citizens from the ripple effects of high fuel prices.
According to the Centre, rising petroleum costs go beyond transport, affecting food security, small businesses, and the overall cost of living.
In a statement issued by the Executive Director of ASEC, Justice Ohene-Akoto, he noted that Ghana is in a position to implement such relief measures, citing windfall revenues from crude oil exports due to global prices exceeding the country’s 2026 budget benchmark of $76.22 per barrel.
However, while applauding the immediate relief, ASEC stressed the need for sustained and strategic action to strengthen Ghana’s energy sector.
The organisation urged the government to explore new supply partnerships within Africa, particularly with Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, and Algeria, to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern fuel imports and build more resilient regional supply chains.
“Ghana’s dependence on imported refined fuels is a fundamental vulnerability. Restoring and modernising the Tema Oil Refinery would reduce import exposure and enable Ghana to process its own crude oil into usable products domestically.”
ASEC further called for medium- and long-term reforms, including expanding Ghana’s strategic petroleum reserves, renegotiating oil revenue agreements, and modernising key infrastructure such as the Tema Oil Refinery.
The Centre emphasised that strengthening domestic refining capacity would reduce the country’s reliance on imported refined fuel.
In the long term, ASEC advocated for accelerated investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, alongside a gradual transition to cleaner technologies.
It also proposed the adoption of a hybrid energy strategy that balances current reliance on fossil fuels with future sustainability goals, including the promotion of electric mobility.
ASEC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government, private sector, and stakeholders in advancing policies that ensure energy security, affordability, and sustainability for all Ghanaians.
