By: Baba Mohammed Issahak
Dr Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, Member of Parliament for Walewale, has strongly criticized the government’s attempt to introduce a new fuel levy under a certificate of urgency, describing the move as rushed, poorly justified, and burdensome to ordinary Ghanaians.
According to the MP, the proposed bill seeks to impose a GH¢1 tax on every litre of fuel purchased effectively raising ex-pump fuel prices from around GH¢12 to over GH¢13. “This means every Ghanaian will now pay GH¢132 instead of GH¢120 for 10 litres of fuel,” he explained.
Hon Dr. Kabiru expressed disbelief at what he called a contradiction in government policy. “A government that once said a GH¢1 levy on mobile money transfers was a burden is now imposing that same burden on every litre of fuel purchased,” he said.
On His official Facebook page, Dr Kabiru also took issue with the rationale that the appreciation of the Ghana cedi would offset the impact of the tax. “The appreciation of the cedi should lead to lower fuel prices that’s how Ghanaians benefit. A caring government cannot use that same appreciation as an excuse to tax people more.” He noted
The MP further criticized the timing and handling of the bill in Parliament. “Less than three hours after laying the bill, the Chairman of the Finance Committee is calling members to meet no stakeholder consultation, no independent impact assessment, just a rush to impose tax,” he said.
Dr Kabiru warned that this tax would not only increase the cost of transportation and goods but would also undercut the government’s own calls for businesses to lower prices and for commercial drivers to reduce fares.
“This is not the reset agenda Ghanaians were promised. It is a clear abuse of the goodwill the people have given the NDC government,” he concluded.
The government, through the minister for finance, introduces the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill, seeking to impose ₵1 tax on all petroleum products to fix the current power crisis (dumsor) in the country
The proposed levy is expected to spark further debate as it moves through Parliament.
