GH₵1 Fuel Levy Undermines Cedi Gains – Abena Osei-Asare

Former Deputy Finance Minister and Atiwa East MP, Abena Osei-Asare, has criticised the newly introduced Energy Sector Levy, arguing that Ghanaians should be enjoying the recent appreciation of the cedi rather than being burdened with new taxes.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, June 9, Osei-Asare expressed her disapproval of what she described as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s decision to impose additional financial pressure on citizens.

“Why should you refuse Ghanaians the benefits of a windfall just because the cedi is appreciating?” she questioned. “We told them that managing the economy is not just about talking and shouting.”

Mrs Osei-Asare, who also chairs the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, contended that the introduction of the new levy contradicts the promise to ease the cost of living for the ordinary Ghanaian.

“In your campaign, you told the people of Ghana you were coming to relieve them of the taxes that had been burdening them. You came, and all of a sudden, you changed,” she added.

The new Energy Sector Levy imposes an additional GHS1 charge on each litre of petrol and diesel purchased at the pump.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the levy aims to address longstanding challenges within the energy sector. Government officials argue that the measure is necessary to stabilise the power sector and ensure continuous supply.

However, critics—especially from the opposition New Patriotic Party—have described the levy as a regressive tax that places an undue burden on consumers.

Source: Myjoyonline