NPP GERMANY
PRESS RELEASE
06—06—2025
GHANAIANS HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO REJECT ‘NDC RUBBER STAMP SAKAWA TAXES’ INCLUDING DUMSOR LEVY
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Parliament of Ghana—under the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—forcefully passed the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill under a certificate of urgency.
This bill imposes a GH¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum product purchased by Ghanaians.
With no meaningful public consultation, no clear accountability, and no credible justification, this levy is yet another example of the NDC’s reckless and deceptive governance—one that disproportionately burdens the already struggling Ghanaian population.
Let’s be clear: this is not just a minor policy change. It is an economic assault on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, cleverly masked as a measure to “address energy sector shortfalls and repay debt.”
What the NDC fails to tell the public is that this move will force Ghanaians to absorb billions of cedis in additional fuel costs, with no guarantee of transparency or efficient use of the funds.
The Real Cost at the Pump
A GH¢1 per litre levy might seem negligible to those sitting in air-conditioned parliamentary chambers, but here’s what it actually means on the ground:
- A commercial driver using 100 litres of fuel daily will now pay an additional GH¢100 per day—amounting to GH¢3,000 monthly just to stay operational.
- A teacher or nurse with a 40-litre fuel tank will pay an extra GH¢160 each month—enough to cover a week’s worth of groceries for a family of four.
- Transport fares will inevitably increase as trotro, taxi, and delivery drivers pass on the cost to passengers—leading to higher food prices, school costs, and commuting expenses.
This isn’t just an energy levy—it’s a chain reaction of economic hardship that disproportionately affects the poor and middle class.
Broken Promises: Why the NDC Cannot Be Trusted
Here is a list of unfulfilled promises that expose a pattern of deception:
- Mahama: “I’ll reduce electricity bills.”
Reality: Electricity tariffs increased by 14.75% – SCAM! - “I’ll scrap the Communication Service Tax.”
Reality: CST remains in place – SCAM! - “I’ll remove the COVID tax because COVID is over.”
Reality: COVID tax maintained – SCAM! - “BOST and TOR will have one MD.”
Reality: Both institutions have separate MDs – SCAM! - “No politician should seek medical care abroad—we have UGMC.”
Reality: Jane Naana was flown abroad for treatment – SCAM! - Ato Forson during vetting: “We don’t need more taxes to raise revenue.”
Reality: D-Levy introduced just 6 months later under a certificate of urgency – SCAM! - “I’ll repeal the LI on Galamsey.”
Reality: Now says he’ll amend it instead – SCAM! - “I’ll stop chasing illegal miners and target the kingpins.”
Reality: Still chasing the miners in the pits – SCAM! - “I’ll abolish the double-track system in one year.”
Reality: Now says it may end in 2027 – SCAM! - “I’ll reduce port charges.”
Reality: Zero implementation, zero commitment – SCAM!
Mismanagement Masquerading as Reform
The NDC argues that this new levy is necessary to settle energy sector debts and support infrastructure development. But where was this urgency when corrupt, inflated, or mismanaged energy contracts were being signed?
Citizens should not be punished for years of poor financial stewardship. The previous NDC administration left behind massive debts in the energy sector—and now they want Ghanaians to foot the bill again.
Worse still, the bill was passed hastily under a certificate of urgency, precisely to avoid public backlash and scrutiny.
“We don’t need more taxes to raise revenue.”
— Ato Forson, as reported by the Daily Graphic
Dishonesty and Political Cowardice
The timing of this levy couldn’t be more insensitive. With inflation rising, job creation stalling, and the cedi weakening, Ghanaians are in no position to bear additional taxes.
Existing Energy Levies Already in Place Include:
- Energy Debt Recovery Levy (EDRL): For energy sector debt repayment.
- Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy (PSRL): Meant to stabilize fuel prices and subsidize LPG/premix.
- Road Fund Levy: Supposed to fund road maintenance.
- Energy Fund Levy: Supports energy development, including renewables.
The government now wants to convince us that paying GH¢50 on GH¢500 worth of fuel is “small,” but GH¢5 on GH¢500 in mobile money (E-Levy) was too much?
Instead of cutting government waste, reducing bloated ministries, or fixing loss-making SOEs, the NDC’s default strategy is to raid the pockets of ordinary citizens.
And to make it worse, they’ve hidden behind legislative technicalities and “urgency” clauses to escape public accountability.
A Government Out of Touch
This same NDC that criticized the E-Levy and COVID tax has just:
- Increased electricity tariffs by 14.75%
- Increased water tariffs by 4.2%
- Now slapped a GH¢1 per litre fuel levy on the public
What kind of “accountable governance” is this?
A Call to Resist the Oppressor
This is not the time for silence or indifference. Every civil society organization, transport union, student association, and concerned citizen must rise against this injustice.
Let us be reminded:
This GH¢1 is not temporary.
It is permanent.
It is painful.
And it is preventable.
Ghanaians deserve transparency, not trickery.
Relief, not robbery.
Let us speak out—and act—before the burden becomes unbearable.
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!!!
Long Live Ghana, long live the Elephant Party!!!!
Kukruduuuu Eeeessshiii!!!
Signed:
Nana Osei Boateng
NPP GERMANY
Communications Director
