Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for introducing what he described as a “Dumsor Levy”, claiming it is eight times more costly than the scrapped E-Levy.
He made the remarks today, June 4, during the NPP’s ‘Thank You’ Tour in Twifo Praso, in the Central Region.
According to him, the NDC promised to scrap the E-Levy, but they’ve now introduced what amounts to a ‘Dumsor’ Levy.
“The NDC has told many lies, and with each passing day, the truth becomes clearer to people,” Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said. “Just last night, as you may already know, they introduced a ‘Dumsor Levy.’ They previously criticised us for introducing the E-Levy, which they have scrapped – but this new levy is eight times higher than the E-Levy. They implemented it without proper consideration.”
Dr Bawumia went on to compare the financial burden imposed by the two levies. “If you buy GHS 1,000 worth of fuel, you will now pay GHS 83 in additional taxes. I can assure you there are more taxes on the way.”
On Tuesday, June 3, Parliament passed a new levy that places a GHS1 charge on each litre of petroleum products. Government officials have justified the move as essential to stabilising the country’s heavily indebted energy sector, which currently carries an estimated $3.1 billion in liabilities.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who introduced the bill, said the levy would provide a reliable stream of funding for fuel purchases to sustain power generation and help address recurring electricity outages. He added that the recent strengthening of the cedi would offset the impact at the pumps, meaning consumers were unlikely to see an immediate price hike.
However, the Minority in Parliament criticised the measure, accusing the government of reneging on its pledge not to introduce new taxes, as stated in the 2025 budget. They subsequently staged a walkout, describing the move as a breach of public trust, especially amid current economic challenges.
The passage of the levy has since sparked a wave of public reactions and debate. Michael Aidoo, Oforikrom MP and Energy Committee member has said that the GHS1 levy was excessive and should have been set at 20 or 30 pesewas. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has also criticised the government for going back on its pledge in the 2025 national budget not to introduce any new taxes. Former Energy Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor has endorsed the newly implemented GH¢1 fuel levy, calling it a crucial measure to tackle Ghana’s escalating energy sector debt and broader fiscal difficulties.
Dr Bawumia expressed confidence that by 2028, Ghanaians would fully realise the scale of deception by the NDC and would call on the NPP to return and restore the economy.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
