Fuel tax U-turn reveals ‘trial-and-error governance’ – Minority
The Minority in Parliament has slammed the government for suspending the implementation of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy—popularly called the Dumsor Levy—describing it as a clear sign of “trial-and-error governance.”
In a strong-worded statement on Saturday, June 14, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised the indefinite postponement of the GH₵1-per-litre fuel tax as “chaotic,” “hypocritical,” and “a complete embarrassment.”
According to the Effutu MP, the government’s last-minute U-turn exposes poor planning and a lack of stakeholder consultation.
“This eleventh-hour U-turn shows that the law was passed without proper engagement. It’s a complete embarrassment,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) had earlier announced a delay in implementing the levy, which was supposed to take effect on June 16. The decision to postpone followed strong public opposition and what the government described as fresh stakeholder engagements.
But the Minority says the whole situation shows the government is simply making things up as it goes.
“This is governance by improvisation. You pass a punitive tax law, then suspend it under pressure. It’s not leadership. It’s panic,” the Minority Leader stressed.
He also accused the administration of double standards, noting how the current government, when in opposition, mocked the then NPP government for blaming external global factors like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.
“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 said.
Afenyo-Markin argued that the government’s inconsistent decisions show it failed to build strong economic buffers and is out of touch with the suffering of ordinary Ghanaians.
He stressed that the levy, if implemented, would only worsen the situation.
“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.
The Minority Leader insisted that merely suspending the levy is not enough—the law itself must be scrapped entirely.
“Postponement is not enough. The law must go. Table a repeal bill now under a certificate of urgency. Ghanaians deserve better,” he demanded.
He also issued a warning to the government, saying more resistance would follow if the tax is not completely withdrawn.
“This tax is economically harmful and politically dishonest. If the government truly believes in the people, it should withdraw this bad law entirely.”
Afenyo-Markin also used the opportunity to criticise the government’s performance in the energy sector, which the levy was supposedly meant to support.
“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 called on the Ministry of Energy to bring all documents related to energy reforms before Parliament for proper scrutiny.
“This is not a matter for press statements. Parliament must see the details. We need full transparency and accountability,” he added.
In closing, Afenyo-Markin reminded the public of the promises the governing party made during the 2024 campaign.
“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.”