Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has taken a swipe at President John Dramani Mahama over the controversial GH¢1 tax imposed on fuel prices during his administration.
In a sharp political statement, Dr. Bawumia highlighted how the fuel tax burden implemented under Mahama’s leadership contributed to the high cost of living and economic pressure on Ghanaians.
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He emphasised that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government remains committed to easing fuel prices and reducing unnecessary taxes that affect ordinary citizens.
The comments come amid renewed public discourse on the recently introduced GH¢1 increase in Ghana’s fuel levy.
Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduces a GH¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum products sold in Ghana.
The controversial bill was passed late Tuesday, June 3, 2025, despite fierce resistance from the Minority Caucus, who staged a dramatic walkout during the voting process.
According to the government, the new levy is projected to generate an additional GH¢5.7 billion in revenue each year.
This revenue is expected to be channelled towards addressing the staggering financial challenges of the country’s energy sector, including ballooning debts and fuel supply constraints for thermal power generation.
Dr Bawumia speaking on the levy introduced by the Mahama-led administration, he sounded an alarm to Ghanaians, warning them to prepare for additional tax burdens.
Addressing NPP supporters during his thank-you tour of the Central Region, Dr. Bawumia issued a stark warning, urging them to prepare for a harsh tax regime under the Mahama administration.
“They have brought something called dumsor levy; this is eight times E-Levy. So if you buy fuel for GH¢1000, you will pay dumsor levy of GH¢83. Just prepare, is there more to come?” he said.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has strongly defended the recent GH¢1 increase in Ghana’s fuel levy, describing it as a necessary and strategic measure to stabilise and secure the future of Ghana’s energy sector.
Addressing the public’s reaction to the new fuel price adjustment, President Mahama acknowledged the concerns of Ghanaians but stressed that the fuel tax increment is essential to ensure long-term energy sustainability.
“This decision, though difficult, is necessary and justifiable,” he said when the National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee presented its final report to him in Accra on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
“This revenue will be strictly ring-fenced to pay down legacy debts, finance ongoing fuel purchases, and avert the risk of recurring power shortages,” he stated.
He highlighted that the revised fuel levy is projected to raise approximately GH¢5.7 billion annually, revenue that will be specifically allocated to address urgent needs in the energy infrastructure and power generation sectors.
