Matthew Nyindam, Member of Parliament for Kpandai, has criticised the recently passed Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as e-levy pro max.
According to him, this is a heavier burden the government has placed on Ghanaians.
Speaking on GHToday, Mr. Nyindam expressed outrage over what he described as government hypocrisy and insensitivity.
He questioned the government’s decision to introduce the levy under a certificate of urgency, a parliamentary procedure typically reserved for pressing national matters.
He accused the government of betraying its earlier stance while in opposition, where it criticised similar tax measures introduced by its predecessors.
“Just a few months ago, that they can do without taxes. They have everything, all their policy has nothing to do with introduction of any tax. In just a few months, the budget was in March, today is June 5. Only on the third, they slapped another e-levy pro max on us. You see, when you are in opposition, you can talk. You say all manner of things, you justify it. Wicked people, insensitive people, they don’t care about Ghanaians. But today, you are in government. And my three times in parliament, this is the first time I have seen that a government wants to introduce a tax under certificate of agency. I haven’t seen that before.”
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s assent to the bill on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
READ: GH₵1 Fuel Levy: Withdraw or Slash Levy Significantly – Minority to Gov’t
The legislation, which was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, introduces a GH¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum product, a measure projected to generate GH¢5.7 billion annually to support Ghana’s struggling energy sector.
The government has defended the move as a necessary financial intervention aimed at addressing the energy sector’s legacy debt, currently estimated at $3.1 billion.
The levy is also intended to ensure consistent fuel supply for electricity generation and help end the country’s chronic power outages, commonly referred to as “dumsor.”
Despite these justifications, the policy has triggered significant backlash from transport unions, the Minority in Parliament, and sections of the public.
President Mahama has acknowledged the unpopular nature of the measure but maintains that it is a tough, yet essential, decision in the national interest.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who presented the bill, assured Ghanaians that the new tax would not result in higher fuel prices due to the recent appreciation of the cedi.
He emphasized that the funds raised would be channelled directly into fuel procurement for power generation to stabilise the national grid.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
