Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has strongly criticized the Mahama administration for introducing a new levy on fuel, despite promising not to impose additional taxes in the 2025 budget.
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Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, Afenyo-Markin accused the government of breaking its pledge.
“You said in your budget that there would be no new taxes. Now you’re repealing the e-levy only to reintroduce it under a different guise. How do you explain that?” he asked.
Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam echoed the criticism. He questioned why a new petroleum levy was being introduced after earlier announcements about abolishing certain taxes.
The newly passed Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, approved under a certificate of urgency, introduces a GH¢1 charge per litre of fuel. The move aims to raise an estimated GH¢5.7 billion annually to address the energy sector’s debt and operational costs.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson justified the move. He explained that Ghana’s energy sector is burdened with US$3.1 billion in debt as of March 2025. The government needs an additional US$1.2 billion to fuel thermal plants and US$3.7 billion to clear the debt.
To calm public concern, Dr. Forson assured Parliament that the Cedi’s recent strength would offset any immediate rise in fuel prices at the pump.
Still, the Minority is unconvinced.
Dr. Amin Adam, MP for Karaga, said, “Just weeks ago, this government was celebrating tax cuts. Now they’re imposing levies that will rake in more than all those cuts combined.”
He added, “They gave with the left hand and took back with the right, plus what was in your pocket. This fuel tax proves it.”
