The Minority in Parliament has lashed out at the government for what it describes as a calculated move to sneak the controversial GH₵1 per litre fuel levy into law without proper consultation or adherence to parliamentary norms.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh voiced his strong disapproval, accusing the government of sidestepping leadership channels and breaching legislative procedure.
“This business was introduced via an addendum paper,” he stated. “Oftentimes, the practice in this House has been that if there’s going to be an introduction of business by an addendum, at least the leadership will be in the know. Nobody in the leadership— I can say this on authority— knew about it.”
The GH₵1 fuel levy, introduced under a certificate of urgency through the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has provoked intense public criticism since its approval by Parliament.
The levy imposes a tax of GH₵1 on every litre of petroleum product and is aimed at addressing legacy debts in the energy sector, estimated at over $3 billion.
However, the Minority says the process of its passage was as troubling as the content of the bill itself.
“We are anticipating more taxes. It’s not just going to be a Dumsor levy,” Annoh-Dompreh warned. “Based on intel we’ve picked, they’ll be introducing more taxes in the next two years.”
He signaled that the Minority will not stand by quietly, vowing to challenge what he called a betrayal of public trust.
“We’re going to stand toe-to-toe in solidarity with the people of this country. This is a slap in the face of our people.”
Despite the government’s assurances that the new levy would not raise pump prices due to a stronger cedi, the backlash has been swift and unrelenting, with civil society, transport unions, and now the parliamentary Minority raising red flags.
