Come clean, tell Ghanaians the truth – Gov’t told over GH¢1 fuel levy [Audio]

-

The African Institute of Energy Sustainability (AIES) has challenged the government over the newly approved GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy, commonly referred to as the “Dumsor Levy.”

The Executive Director, Dr. Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah, has described the levy as a mere cover-up, claiming it is a deliberate move by the government to cause fear and panic among Ghanaians.

He questioned why a levy, framed as a solution to power sector debt, would unfairly target the transportation sector.

“Once there is a new government, they always scare citizens with energy sector debt, and I want to say that it is deliberate with no iota of truth, and it has become a pattern. They just want to create the impression that dumsor is looming just to introduce a new tax because if there is a problem with the energy sector, what has it got to do with transportation?” he questioned.

In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Nuamah called on the government to come clean and be truthful with Ghanaians.

“If truly there is a problem, let’s look at ways to solve them and not cause panic. The gains in the cedi have created a shortfall somewhere and a windfall in another area, so the government just wants to cut some resources to fill the shortfall. They should come clean and tell us the truth because we are fed up,” he stated.

Dr. Nuamah warned that the levy will trigger higher pump prices and increase costs across all sectors of the economy—from food and transport to household expenses.

While acknowledging the seriousness of Ghana’s energy sector debt, which he attributed to structural inefficiencies, he urged the government to pursue reforms rather than rely on inequitable taxation.

Dr. Nuamah reiterated AIES’ earlier demand for the immediate withdrawal of the new levy.

His comments follow the passage of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which authorizes a GH¢1 increase in petroleum product levies.

According to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the measure aims to help settle $3.1 billion in energy sector arrears and raise an additional $1.2 billion to procure fuel for thermal generation in 2025.

However, the approval has sparked widespread criticism, with calls for an immediate withdrawal and threats of demonstration by a coalition of political parties led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

ALSO READ: