Ghanaian Parliament Erupts: Minority's Walkout Challenges Energy Levy Bill

Ghanaian Parliament: Minority Walkout Protests Energy Levy Bill Ghana's political landscape witnessed heightened tension on June 3, 2025, as members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament staged a dramatic walkout. Their protest targeted the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill, a piece of legislation that seeks to introduce a GHS 1 tax on petroleum products. The walkout took place in the Parliament building in Accra. The Minority's key argument centered on the legitimacy of the bill's passage. They asserted that the ruling Majority lacked the constitutionally required 138 members present to lawfully pass the bill. "The Majority does not have the numbers to pass this bill legally," stated a member of the Minority Caucus, whose name was not disclosed for security reasons. The claim was backed by the video showing the significant number of empty seats in the chamber after the walkout. The walkout underscores the deep divisions within the Ghanaian Parliament regarding the proposed energy levy. The Minority's actions raise questions about the transparency and legality of the legislative process. The event highlights the importance of ensuring sufficient representation and adherence to parliamentary procedure in Ghana's legislative processes. The subsequent debate and potential legal challenges to the bill's passage will be closely watched by the public.