A coalition of policy and energy think tanks has urged the government to cut petroleum prices by GHC1.65, arguing that the move would provide urgent relief to consumers facing rising living costs.
The proposal, jointly issued by IMANI Africa, COPEC Ghana, INSTEPR, and IES, follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama instructing the Ministries of Energy and Finance to review the petroleum price build-up and recommend possible reductions in taxes, margins, and levies.
In a statement dated Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the groups said the proposed reduction should come from a comprehensive adjustment of the pricing structure rather than ad hoc measures.
“We propose a cumulative reduction of GHC1.65 from the current petroleum price build-up,” the coalition said.
“This should last for a period of TWO months instead of the FOUR weeks proposed by the government.”
The organisations argue that the extended window would give households and businesses more stable relief during what they describe as “difficult and uncertain times,” while allowing for a later review based on global market conditions.
They further contend that the intervention would not significantly strain Ghana’s fiscal position, pointing to expected revenue gains from the country’s crude oil exports during the period.
The proposal comes amid ongoing public concern over fuel prices, which have remained a key driver of transport and food inflation.
The coalition added that any short-term relief should be matched with broader reforms to the petroleum pricing system to prevent repeated price shocks, though its immediate focus remains on delivering relief to consumers.
