The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has strongly criticised the government’s introduction of a GH¢1 levy on each litre of petroleum products.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah described the move as counterproductive and warned that its consequences would be severe for all Ghanaians.
The government has justified the GH¢1 levy as a measure to address the colossal US$3.1 billion debt in the energy sector. However, Mr. Amoah argued that the government should prioritise tackling the underlying challenges in the sector instead of imposing additional taxes.
“This move is clearly a case of creating holes in our pockets and taking whatever you find; it doesn’t help,” he stated.
He emphasised that efforts should focus on stopping the financial losses in the power sector.
“For me, whatever we need to do to stop the bleeding of the power sector, that should be our key focus at this point,” he said.
Mr. Amoah further warned that the new tax could increase the financial burden on Ghanaians.
“This week, we were happy and excited about the fuel price reduction, even though we said it was woefully inadequate. But if fuel prices drop by 0.50 pesewas and now we have to pay an additional 1.00 cedi, the relief will be lost from our pockets.
“People who were selling fuel at GH¢12.52 will now sell at GH¢13.52. If you add other costs, we will be back to the high levels we protested against. Throughout the year, we cannot be certain that fuel prices will decrease, and with the cedi continuing to depreciate, the consequences of this levy will be dire for all of us,” he warned.
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