Ghana’s Minority in Parliament has threatened nationwide protests against the newly approved GH¢1 fuel levy.
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At a press briefing on June 5, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh slammed the tax as “callous,” “predatory,” and “economically devastating.” He accused the government of imposing hardship through the back door.
“This is more than a one-cedi increase,” he said. “It’s an attack on the soul of our nation. Ato has forced D-levy on us.”
The levy was passed on June 3 under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025. It is meant to raise funds to clear power sector debt and ensure a stable electricity supply.
But the Minority rejected this justification. They said the levy will punish already struggling Ghanaians. “This GH¢1 increase is unacceptable,” Annoh-Dompreh declared.
He cited the Finance Minister’s broken promise in January that tariffs would not raise revenue or reward ECG’s inefficiencies.
According to the Minority, the new tax could drain GH¢475 million each month, adding up to GH¢5.7 billion annually. They questioned why the government hasn’t addressed mismanagement at ECG. “What specific actions has the government taken to fix ECG’s inefficiencies?” he asked. “We’re yet to hear anything.”
They also pushed back on claims that falling fuel prices justify the levy. “Oil prices are unpredictable,” they argued. “Blaming citizens for the energy crisis and punishing them is dishonest.”
The Minority further criticized how fast the bill was passed, under a certificate of urgency and without public input. “This was a midnight robbery. They passed the bill while Ghanaians slept,” they said.
They pointed out contradictions in government actions. While drivers were asked to cut transport fares by 15%, the new levy raises fuel costs again. Add to that recent hikes in electricity (14%) and water bills (3%), and the burden becomes unbearable.
The Minority also accused the government of hypocrisy for keeping fuel allowances for appointees. “If leaders shared our pain, they’d cancel free fuel for officials,” Annoh-Dompreh added.
They called for the immediate withdrawal or reduction of the tax. They also demanded transparency and efficiency in managing the energy sector. “This government has chosen hardship over honesty. ‘Ato Didn’t Force’ is the right name for this policy,” he said.
The Minority urged all citizens to join their resistance. “This is just the beginning. We will fight this tax together.”
