Fuel Levy: What crime have Ghanaians committed? – Dr Amin Adam questions gov’t – Nsemkeka
The former Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has strongly criticised the government for introducing the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as a cunning strategy to deprive Ghanaians of the full benefits of the cedi’s appreciation.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Dr. Amin Adam argued that instead of allowing Ghanaians to enjoy the economic relief associated with the cedi’s rise against major trading currencies, the government is undermining these gains by imposing a levy he referred to as the “Dumsor Levy.”
He asserted that the government’s actions contradict its own promises and reflect irresponsibility and inconsistency.
Dr. Amin Adam stated that rather than rewarding Ghanaians for the cedi’s appreciation, the government is penalising them with a levy that imposes an additional GH₵1 on petroleum product purchases.
“The NDC government is taking Ghanaians for granted,” he stated. “The Minister rightly noted that the cedi’s strengthened value should translate into lower prices for petroleum products. This is a logical economic outcome.
“However, my concern is that when prices are expected to fall, why should the government claw back the benefits that Ghanaians are entitled to from policies it has so proudly championed? What offense have Ghanaians committed to be denied the benefits of the cedi’s appreciation through reduced petroleum prices?”
He further stressed that it is the government’s duty to ensure citizens benefit from its policies.
“We are all celebrating the cedi’s appreciation, and I join in that celebration. However, I would celebrate even more if these benefits were reflected in lower petroleum prices. It is deeply troubling that the government is retracting the advantages of the cedi’s appreciation. This is not the mark of a responsible government,” he said.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, presented the levy to Parliament under a certificate of urgency. Titled the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the legislation proposes an increase in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy to generate additional revenue.
The funds are intended to address energy sector arrears, reduce legacy debt, and ensure a stable power supply nationwide.
The bill received its first reading in Parliament and has been referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration and reporting.