IPPG Policy Brief – A Call to President Mahama: Retain & Reset the Emissions Levy to fund Climate Action

This IPPG policy brief calls on President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign promise to scrap Ghana’s Emissions Levy. Instead, it urges the administration to retain and repurpose the levy to establish a dedicated climate fund. Such a fund would provide a domestic financing mechanism to support Ghana’s climate action, reducing the country’s dependence on external funding sources.

The brief highlights that the climate fund could channel revenues into critical areas, including renewable energy development, climate-resilient infrastructure, and air quality improvements. With air pollution causing an estimated 28,000 premature deaths annually, strategic investments from the fund would address pressing environmental and public health challenges while driving green economic growth. The levy’s retention aligns with the “polluter-pays principle,” ensuring industries and individuals are accountable for their emissions.

Furthermore, the brief emphasizes that retaining and repurposing the levy would enable the NDC to fulfill its manifesto commitments on green growth, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Transparent implementation and stakeholder consultations are critical to building public trust and ensuring the levy is effectively leveraged. By retaining and repurposing the Emissions Levy, Ghana can position itself as a leader in climate action while balancing economic recovery with environmental responsibility.

Click here to read the Policy Brief