Tema Central Member of Parliament, Charles Forson, has criticised the recently passed Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing the new GH₵1 fuel tax as excessive and a burden on ordinary Ghanaians.
The bill, which imposes a GH₵1 charge per litre of fuel, is intended by the government to generate revenue for clearing energy sector debts and stabilising electricity supply.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom with Charles Owusu Kumi on Saturday, June 7, Forson argued that the levy amounts to more than an 8% increase in fuel costs, significantly impacting commercial drivers and everyday consumers.
“It is a severe tax. We complained about the E-levy being 1%, but this tax is about 8 plus per cent. When an okada rider buys a gallon of fuel, when a troski driver buys in gallons, which is 4.5 litres, being that it’s a gallon, you pay 4.50 pesewas. And that is 8% of the sum total.
“It’s just a rip-off. A whopping 8%, which is outrageous. We [Akufo-Addo administration] kept the power on for 8 years. We cannot burden Ghanaians with 8%,” he said.
Forson warned that the growing pressure on transport operators could spark industrial action.
“GPRTU and other commercial drivers are also trying to go on strike. What will happen to the Ghanaian economy?” he asked.
He also dismissed the government’s claims of economic recovery, describing them as disconnected from the public’s financial reality.
“They [government] keep saying the cedi is strong while everybody’s pocket is dry,” he stated.
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