A new twist has emerged in the ongoing debate over the recently introduced fuel levy, popularly dubbed the “Dumsor Levy,” under the Mahama-led administration. Energy experts and civil society groups are questioning the transparency of the policy, accusing the government of using the levy to cover a critical budget shortfall rather than to resolve the country’s persistent power crisis.
Energy analyst Kojo Poku has revealed that the real purpose of the levy is to finance the government’s budget, which has been severely impacted by the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the U.S. dollar. According to Poku, Ghana is facing a budgetary shortfall of approximately 30%, creating an urgent need for revenue — a reality the government is allegedly concealing due to the political promises it made before assuming office.
The controversy deepens as new information shows that the fuel levy is significantly higher than initially communicated. While the public was led to believe the levy stood at GHS 1.00 per litre, it has now emerged that consumers are paying GHS 1.95 per litre on petrol and GHS 1.93 on diesel. This includes a pre-existing GHS 0.95 and GHS 0.93 tax on petrol and diesel respectively, imposed in March by Finance Minister Ato Forson — taxes that have not been repealed.
Critics are now calling on President John Mahama and Ato Forson to be honest with Ghanaians about the true purpose of the levy. “The public deserves clarity. If this is to finance a budget gap, then the government must come clean,” said one civil society leader.
The revelation has sparked fresh criticism from opposition parties, economic experts, and ordinary citizens alike, many of whom view the levy as another burden on the already struggling Ghanaian taxpayer. As calls for transparency mount, the Mahama administration faces mounting pressure to provide detailed explanations and consider a review of the fuel pricing structure.
www.nsemgh.com
1nr3h6
3fpv32
ryard9