adverts
VIDEO: Gov’t Robbing Peter to Pay Paul – MP Slams Fuel Levy
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee and MP for Asene-Manso-Akroso, Hon. George Kwame Aboagye, has sharply criticised the government’s recent introduction of a fuel levy, accusing it of hypocrisy and burdening Ghanaians under the guise of economic management.
In an exclusive interview with Puretvonline, Hon. Aboagye described the move as “robbing Peter to pay Paul”, arguing that the same party now in government vehemently opposed similar taxes while in opposition.
“They claimed they would rule this country with prudent management and not introduce new taxes. Yet in just six months, they’ve slapped taxes on fuel,” he said.
adverts
Hon. Aboagye revealed that under the new Energy Sector Levy, every gallon of fuel or diesel now attracts a GH₵4.50 deduction. This, he said, would cost Ghanaian households an estimated GH₵5.5 billion annually.
The MP warned this will likely trigger fare hikes by drivers, eroding the recent 15% reduction in transport fares and worsening the economic burden on citizens.
Drawing comparisons between past and present, Aboagye recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, their government provided free water, electricity, and food aid and still paid salaries during the COVID-19 pandemic—efforts funded in part through the much-criticised E-Levy.
After the pandemic, their government introduced an electronic levy (e-levy), and “they accused them of overburdening Ghanaians with taxes, yet we supported citizens through a global pandemic. Now, they introduce new taxes when there’s no emergency,” he stated.
He questioned whether this matched the “prudent management” the ruling party promised voters.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has condemned the government’s move to increase the Energy Sector Levy by GH₵1 per litre, labelling it a “betrayal”.
The union expressed frustration that the tax hike came just days after drivers implemented a 15% fare reduction, following assurances from the government tied to the cedi’s recent appreciation.
In response, the GPRTU has issued an ultimatum to the government: reverse the levy or face a nationwide strike by June 10, 2025.
Hon. Aboagye insists the government must return to its own promises of tax relief and economic prudence:
“Is this the prudent management they spoke about? Clearly, this is nothing short of deception,” he said.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
