The Press Secretary and Spokesperson to Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Ama Pratt, has assured Ghanaians that the newly introduced one cedi per litre fuel levy is only a temporary measure as the government works to stabilise the country’s energy sector.
Speaking on GHOne TV’s GHToday with Lily Mohammed on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Ama Pratt explained that although citizens are concerned about paying more for fuel, the government remains committed to accountability and cushioning the public in other sectors.
“Nobody likes to pay more. Nobody does. But beyond the unwillingness to pay more, which is very legitimate and natural, it’s also the assurance that we are cushioning you elsewhere. We are taking off levies elsewhere,” she said.
According to her, the levy, introduced alongside the scrapping of fuel coupons for government appointees, forms part of urgent measures to address Ghana’s critical energy challenges. She indicated that the decision to cancel fuel coupons demonstrates leadership sacrifice and a commitment to prudent spending.
“He [President Mahama] promised he was going to cut fuel allowances for his appointees. Well, with immediate effect yesterday, it has happened. Every appointee. It’s a major sacrifice,” she stated.
Ama Pratt further highlighted that the government’s broader objective is to ensure long-term sustainability within the energy sector so that Ghanaians will not have to bear such burdens in the future.
“This government is being proactive. It’s looking at all the ways in which it can cushion the Ghanaian, and also make sure that there are sustainable plans to make sure that we don’t come back here again,” she added.
She also emphasised the government’s new Accountability Series, launched this week, where sector ministers will answer questions directly from journalists on their stewardship and policy actions.
The government announced the scrapping of fuel coupons for appointees on Tuesday, July 15 as part of cost-saving measures, alongside the introduction of the one cedi per litre levy to support the energy sector.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
