MINORITY CONDEMNS ENERGY SECTOR LEVY AS BETRAYAL OF TRUST The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Ranking Member for Energy, Hon. George Aboagye, has sharply criticized the

MINORITY CONDEMNS ENERGY SECTOR LEVY AS BETRAYAL OF TRUST The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Ranking Member for Energy, Hon. George Aboagye, has sharply criticized the government’s introduction of a new energy sector levy, describing it as a betrayal of public trust. Addressing the media in Accra, the Caucus accused the government of reneging on its campaign promise not to impose new taxes to address inefficiencies in the energy sector. The newly introduced levy, which amounts to 1 cedi per litre or an 8% increase on petroleum products, is seen by the Minority as an additional burden on already struggling citizens. Hon. Aboagye described the move as hypocritical and politically deceptive, claiming the government misled Ghanaians by campaigning against such taxes and later reversing its position after securing power. The Caucus warned that this action undermines public confidence and highlights a troubling pattern of broken promises. The Minority also raised red flags over con

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Published on 06/10/2025 20:14

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MINORITY CONDEMNS ENERGY SECTOR LEVY AS BETRAYAL OF TRUST

The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Ranking Member for Energy, Hon. George Aboagye, has sharply criticized the government’s introduction of a new energy sector levy, describing it as a betrayal of public trust. Addressing the media in Accra, the Caucus accused the government of reneging on its campaign promise not to impose new taxes to address inefficiencies in the energy sector.

The newly introduced levy, which amounts to 1 cedi per litre or an 8% increase on petroleum products, is seen by the Minority as an additional burden on already struggling citizens. Hon. Aboagye described the move as hypocritical and politically deceptive, claiming the government misled Ghanaians by campaigning against such taxes and later reversing its position after securing power. The Caucus warned that this action undermines public confidence and highlights a troubling pattern of broken promises.

The Minority also raised red flags over conflicting explanations given by government officials on the purpose of the levy. While some claim the funds are meant to clear energy sector arrears, others argue it is for liquid fuel procurement. According to the Minority, these inconsistencies signal a lack of transparency and fuel growing public skepticism about the government’s fiscal intentions. They pledged to mobilize public support and hold the administration accountable, warning that such disregard for public welfare would not go unchallenged.

Adding his voice, Hon. Oppong Nkrumah reinforced the Minority’s concerns, calling the levy excessive and economically harmful. He noted that the increase translates to GH₵4.50 more per gallon of fuel—one of the highest single tax hikes in Ghana’s history. Nkrumah warned of a cascading effect on fuel prices, transportation, and the overall cost of living, particularly for workers, small businesses, and fuel-dependent sectors. Drawing parallels with the recently repealed E-Levy, he criticized the government’s inconsistent and burdensome tax strategy and called for transparent, inclusive, and equitable economic planning that puts the needs of Ghanaians first.

Report by PKB