Fuel tax U-turn reveals ‘trial-and-error governance’ – Minority – Nsemkeka
The Minority in Parliament says the government’s sudden suspension of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy, known as the Dumsor Levy, is a clear sign of “trial-and-error governance.”
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in a statement on Saturday, June 14, described the indefinite postponement of the fuel tax as “chaotic” and “hypocritical.”
He said the government’s actions expose a fundamental lack of planning and consultation.
“This eleventh-hour U-turn shows that the law was passed without proper engagement. It’s a complete embarrassment,” the Effutu MP said.
The Ghana Revenue Authority had announced a delay in implementing the levy, which was due to start on June 16.
The move followed public backlash and what officials described as fresh stakeholder consultations. But the Minority is having none of it.
“This is governance by improvisation. You pass a punitive tax law, then suspend it under pressure. It’s not leadership. It’s panic,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He accused the current administration of hypocrisy, noting that while in opposition, they condemned the NPP government for blaming global crises like COVID-19 and the Ukraine war for economic woes.
“Now they are using the Middle East crisis as an excuse for this mess. This is the same excuse they mocked when we used it. That’s hypocrisy at its worst,” he stated.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, this flip-flop exposes the government’s failure to build fiscal buffers and shows that they are out of touch with the economic hardship Ghanaians face.
“They promised relief but are delivering more suffering. This levy would only raise fuel prices, increase transport fares, and make life even harder,” he said.
He added that the policy itself should never have been introduced.
“Even at a time of crisis, the previous government managed the power sector without slapping Ghanaians with new fuel taxes. We proved it’s possible to run the energy sector without burdening the people,” he stressed.
The Minority is demanding the full repeal of the levy.
“Postponement is not enough. The law must go. Table a repeal bill now under a certificate of urgency. Ghanaians deserve better,” the Minority Leader insisted.
He warned that if government fails to act, it will face more resistance.
“This tax is economically harmful and politically dishonest. If the government truly believes in the people, it should withdraw this bad law entirely.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin also used the opportunity to criticise what he described as worsening mismanagement in the energy sector.
“They said they would continue the Loss Reduction Programme we began. That programme has stalled. People still don’t have prepaid meters. Power theft is rising. Revenue is leaking. The government is asleep at the wheel.”
He said the Energy Ministry must urgently submit policy documents on reforms to Parliament for scrutiny.
“This is not a matter for press statements. Parliament must see the details. We need full transparency and accountability,” he demanded.
The Minority Leader closed with a reminder of the governing party’s promises.
“This government came to power on pledges of relief. This levy breaks those promises. Ghanaians are watching. And we will not stop fighting until this injustice is repealed.”