The Minority in Parliament has dismissed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to scrap fuel allowances and allocations for all political appointees, describing it as a populist move and “a PR gimmick.”
President Mahama on Monday, July 15, announced the immediate cancellation of fuel benefits for political appointees as part of efforts to reduce government expenditure and promote fiscal discipline under his Reset Agenda.
However, speaking on the floor of Parliament, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, questioned the sincerity of the move and demanded more concrete action.
“If the President really wants to show that he’s serious about scrapping fuel allowances, I challenge him to shut down the fuel depots at the Castle and Jubilee House. That would show they are no longer taking fuel for free,” he said.
Mr. Awuku also criticised the lack of clarity surrounding the definition of “political appointee” under the directive.
“Does it include ministers? CEOs? Presidential staffers? Who exactly are we talking about?” he asked. “Again, I need clarification on what constitutes a fuel allowance.”
He further demanded transparency on the financial implications of the policy.
“How much is being spent on these fuel allowances? And after scrapping them, how much are we saving?” he queried. “If a minister drives from here to Ada or Ningo-Prampram for official duties, are we saying the state won’t cover the fuel used?”
He concluded, “This looks like a populist move—just a PR gimmick.”
But defending the President’s decision, NDC MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem, Samuel Atta Mills, welcomed the policy as a step in the right direction.
“I think it’s a great idea. Do you know how many government vehicles we have? This is a good example to set,” he stated. “Political appointees buying their own fuel is a small sacrifice for the nation.”
He also argued that MPs already fund their own fuel and that ministers should do the same.
“Members of Parliament buy their own fuel. Nobody gives us fuel coupons or allowances,” Mr. Mills added. “If a minister has to do the same, it’s just a small sacrifice for the country.”
Source: Kwaku Asante
