The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the newly passed GH₵1-per-litre fuel levy or a drastic reduction in its rate, warning that failure to act will trigger public backlash.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, June 5, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh said the levy, introduced under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, was imposed without consultation and lacked public buy-in.
“Our position is that they should withdraw it,” he stated bluntly. “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.”
The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP insisted that the government must engage Ghanaians before enforcing such a policy. “That rate cannot be quoted by us. There should be an engagement with the people of this country. The government is not the government of itself — it’s a government of the people.”
The Minority claims the bill was “smuggled” into Parliament via an addendum paper, bypassing standard procedures. “Nobody in the leadership, I can say this on authority, knew about it,” Annoh-Dompreh said.
READ: Minority Demands Immediate Withdrawal of GH₵1 Fuel Levy, Threatens Street Protests
He also hinted at broader tax plans, stating that intelligence gathered suggests more levies are on the way. “Apart from this, it’s not just going to be a ‘Dumsor Levy’. The government has already extended the sunset clause for the sustainability levy to 2028. We are anticipating more taxes.”
The Minority plans to mobilise public support in response, including town hall meetings and constituency engagements. “We are going to consult the Ghanaian people… our MPs will go to their constituencies and explain the taxes they are being made to pay,” he said.
Although demonstrations are on the table, Annoh-Dompreh said that protest would be “just one” of several pressure tactics.
“We are going to stand toe-to-toe with the people of this country. This is a slap in the face of our people,” he concluded.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
