The Minority in Parliament is demanding an immediate withdrawal of the newly approved Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, which imposes a GH₵1 tax on every litre of petroleum product sold.
The Bill, passed earlier this week under a certificate of urgency, seeks to raise funds to address a $3.1 billion energy sector debt. However, the Minority boycotted the proceedings and has since criticised the process as lacking transparency and public engagement.
Speaking to the media in Parliament, Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh accused the government of smuggling the bill into the House without consulting leadership. He warned that the Minority would resist the levy using a series of nationwide actions, including town hall meetings, public engagement, and possibly demonstrations.
“Our position is that they should withdraw [the levy]. And in the event that they are unable to withdraw, there must be a significant reduction – at a rate that will be bearable to the people of this country,” he said.
He explained that MPs from the Minority will consult their constituents to determine the next line of action. “We don’t have power of our own, we represent our people. So, our MPs will go to their constituencies… and we’ll pick their input. Based on that, we will plan our next moves.”
Annoh-Dompreh also questioned the government’s fiscal priorities and transparency. “Why has President Mahama not abolished the free fuel policy for appointees if he claims the country is in crisis?” he asked.
He further hinted that the new levy may only be the beginning of additional taxes. “This is not just going to be a ‘Dumsor Levy’. The government has extended the sunset clause for the sustainability levy to 2028. We are anticipating more taxes. But this one – we are going to fight it.”
While stressing that demonstration is only “one” of the measures being considered, the Chief Whip added, “There are a lot of things we are going to do. One of them is public engagement. Town hall meetings to explain the issue to the people of this country. And if we find it necessary to go on demonstration, it will form a microscopic aspect of the series of actions that we are going to stage.”
The Minority has called on the government to either withdraw the levy or significantly reduce it, and to engage Ghanaians in shaping future fiscal decisions.
READ: GPRTU Rejects New GH¢1 Fuel Levy, Cites Lack of Stakeholder Consultation
The government, however, maintains that the levy is critical to stabilising energy supply and addressing long-standing financial challenges in the sector.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
