A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team and former Deputy CEO of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), Kwame Prempeh, has called on government to scrap the controversial fuel levy and openly acknowledge the impact of global economic pressures on Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with Lily Mohammed on GH Today on GHOne TV, on Tuesday April 7, 2026, Prempeh argued that recent comments by John Dramani Mahama reflect a shift in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s stance on external economic factors.
“I’m happy that at least the NDC… is now admitting that external factors have impact on Ghana,” he said, adding that “they should be bold and admit that they were wrong when previously they were saying it has no impact.”
According to him, global events have always influenced Ghana’s economy, accusing the NDC of previously downplaying this reality for political advantage. “You can lie and use propaganda to win an election, but you cannot govern with lies and propaganda because it will catch up with you,” Prempeh stated.
On fuel pricing, he was emphatic that the one-cedi fuel levy should be scrapped entirely. “There should be no discussion about reduction; it should be abolished totally,” he stressed, explaining that the levy is now adding to the burden on consumers rather than easing it.
Prempeh noted that taxes make up a significant portion of fuel prices, estimating that “about 20 to 25 percent” of the pump price is tax-related. He urged the government to review these charges alongside the levy to deliver meaningful relief.
He further pointed out that Ghana benefits from rising global crude oil prices through export revenues and should use that advantage to support citizens. “There’s a windfall… government should look at that and see how it can support consumers,” he said, emphasizing that oil resources are for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Touching on exchange rate dynamics, Prempeh explained that fluctuations in the cedi also affect fuel prices. “We buy fuel in dollars, so the exchange rate also has an impact on how much we pay at the pump,” he noted.
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Prempeh also highlighted the broader impact of global events, referencing incidents like the September 11 attacks and the Russia-Ukraine conflict to demonstrate how international crises can disrupt economies worldwide. “You cannot tell me that what happens outside Ghana does not affect us,” he stressed.
He concluded by urging the government to confront economic realities with honesty and decisive action. “The reality will catch up with you, and you have to deal with it,” Prempeh said, calling for policies that will bring tangible relief to Ghanaians.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Abigail Praise Pabai
