The Minority in Parliament has fiercely condemned the government’s latest fuel tax policy, describing the newly introduced 8% fuel levy as “an act of wickedness” against the Ghanaian people. The sharp criticism came during a press conference held earlier today, Monday, June 9, 2025, led by the Ranking Member of the Economic Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
In his statement, Oppong Nkrumah called the levy “unprecedented” and accused the government of taking advantage of citizens under the guise of economic reform. According to him, the 8% charge on every litre of fuel purchased is one of the highest tax rates ever introduced at a first instance in the history of Ghana.
“Let’s be honest with ourselves, this is not governance; this is extortion. Never in our taxation history has a government imposed an 8% levy in one stroke. VAT didn’t start like this. Momo Levy didn’t start like this. This is wickedness in broad daylight,” he declared.
The Minority pointed out that Ghanaians will now be forced to pay an additional GH¢4.50for every gallon of petrol or diesel they buy. This, they argue, will further worsen the cost of living, with transportation, food prices, and utility costs all expected to rise in the coming days.
“The government has failed to fix the mess in the energy sector, and now they want to make ordinary Ghanaians pay for their inefficiencies. We were promised no more taxes to cover energy sector losses today, they have broken that promise with no shame.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah also took the opportunity to remind Ghanaians of the NDC’s past position on levies, particularly their strong opposition to the NPP’s Mobile Money tax when it was introduced at just 1%.
“If 1% on Momo was unacceptable to the NDC when they were in opposition, what justification do they now have to impose 8% on fuel purchases? What work has the government done to deserve this money?”
The Minority has called on civil society, labor unions, and the general public to resist the tax and demand its immediate withdrawal. They also hinted at plans to push for parliamentary action to challenge the levy.
As fuel stations across the country begin adjusting their pricing, many Ghanaians are already voicing concerns about the ripple effect the tax will have on daily expenses.
