A coalition of opposition parties is gearing up for a street protest in Kumasi against the newly introduced GH¢1 per litre fuel levy, describing it as “wicked” and “obnoxious.”
The Coalition of Political Parties (COPP), which is leading the charge, says the Mahama administration’s decision to impose the levy adds to the burden on already struggling Ghanaians.
Government insists the tax is necessary to stabilise the power sector and tackle ongoing electricity shortages, but critics are unconvinced.
The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has also slammed the move, calling it regressive. The think tank argues that fuel taxes hit the poor hardest and will likely trigger further increases in the cost of living.
“This is not like the E-Levy, where people had alternatives,” IERPP said in a statement. “Everyone uses fuel. The impact will be felt across the board.”
The group added that the recent 14.75% rise in electricity tariffs has already stretched households to their limit.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has defended the GH¢1 fuel levy, saying it is expected to raise between GH¢5 billion and GH¢6 billion—roughly 60% of the liquid fuel needed to power the energy sector.
He noted, however, that the amount still falls short, and additional funding will be required to keep the lights on.
Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the NPP, confirmed the upcoming demonstration in a Facebook post, accusing the government of being insensitive to the economic pain of ordinary citizens.
