The Minority in Parliament has criticised the government for failing to engage stakeholders and ensure transparency prior to introducing the GH¢1 per litre fuel levy, citing the widespread public discontent as evidence of poor consultation.
They argue that the backlash should prompt a reassessment of how fiscal policies are communicated and implemented.
Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, June 10, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economic Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, took issue with the government’s handling of the levy, calling it rushed and lacking legitimacy.
“They never mentioned it as a policy matter in the economic policy they brought to Parliament. On the day they were bringing the levy, they did not even advertise it on the order paper,” he stated.
He compared the situation to the earlier rollout of the E-Levy, which, though unpopular, involved broader public engagement.
“You recall that sometime back, a 1% per transaction levy was introduced on people who elected to do electronic money transfers. There was a lot of engagement — town hall meetings, consultations. The government eventually reduced the rate and implemented it, and though it was unpopular, at least the public was involved,” Mr. Nkrumah said.
In contrast, he described the passage of the GH¢1 fuel levy as abrupt and lacking due process.
“Midway through — just before we ended the session — they brought a one-page order paper addendum,” he recounted.
“When we begged, literally, that we take our time and even invite other views, they said no. They rushed in the midnight and passed it through.”
Mr. Nkrumah concluded that the government’s subsequent decision to defer the levy’s implementation in the face of public outcry validates the Minority’s concerns.
“Now you are beginning to hear a lot of pushback. Government is now changing the dates for implementation. It tells you obviously that there is a need to do a lot more engagement on this economic policy,” he added.