The Press Secretary and Spokesperson to Ghana’s Vice President, Ama Pratt, has justified government’s decision to scrap fuel coupons for its appointees as the new one cedi fuel levy takes effect.
Speaking in an interview with Lily Mohammed on GHOne TV’s GHToday on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Ms. Pratt explained that the move forms part of President John Mahama’s commitment to accountability and prudent management of public resources.
According to her, although many Ghanaians remain skeptical about the decision, it is a demonstration of government’s resolve to cut down on expenditure and channel resources into sectors that urgently need intervention, such as energy.
“For me, accountability is everything. President John Dramani Mahama is scoring 100% so far in my books. The way he is keeping all his election promises is commendable. He promised he was going to cut fuel allowances for his appointees, and with immediate effect, it has happened,” she stated.
She disclosed that as of Tuesday, July 15, all government appointees were denied access to fuel coupons, adding that drivers who visited fuel depots to draw fuel were turned away and their logbooks taken from them.
Ms. Pratt further revealed that other cost-cutting measures have also been implemented, including scrapping DSTV subscriptions in all government offices and removing privileges such as house help and gardener allowances for ministers and appointees.
Responding to concerns about the new one cedi levy on fuel, Ms. Pratt admitted that Ghanaians have legitimate concerns about paying more but emphasised that the levy is a temporary measure aimed at resolving the country’s energy challenges while other taxes have been scrapped to cushion citizens.
“Our situation is bad. As a people, all of us appreciate how bad our situation has been. But out of the gains we have made, government is only asking for a token to resolve urgent issues in the sector. This government is being proactive to ensure we don’t come back here again,” she added.
She concluded that government remains committed to its accountability series, where sector ministers address the public directly, assuring Ghanaians that every pesewa collected will be accounted for to restore confidence in leadership.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
