Dumsor Levy is a betrayal of trust – Miracles Aboagye

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, criticized the new Dumsor levy. He called it a betrayal of public trust.

On JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 7, Aboagye attacked the Mahama administration. He described the tax as unjust and burdensome for Ghanaians.

“It is a betrayal of trust,” he said. He added that the current government is incompetent and arrogant.

His comments reflect growing frustration among the public and political opposition. This frustration centers around the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The new law imposes a GH¢1 surcharge per litre on petroleum products. This aims to raise revenue to address Ghana’s rising energy sector debt.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the bill urgently. He stated that total indebtedness in the sector was US$3.1 billion as of March 2025.

Forson argued that US$3.7 billion is needed to settle this debt. An additional US$1.2 billion is required for fuel for thermal power generation.

However, the Minority in Parliament condemned the bill as a “predatory tax.” They claim it will take GH¢5.7 billion annually from struggling households and businesses.

They have called for transparency and wider stakeholder consultation. The rushed passage of this levy raises concerns about accountability and financial mismanagement.