Dumsor levy just a rip-off – Tema Central MP

Charles Forson, the Member of Parliament for Tema Central, criticized the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He called it a rip-off and said the GH₵1 fuel tax is excessive. Forson believes this tax burdens ordinary Ghanaians.

He pointed out that Ghanaians complain about the E-levy being 1%. However, he noted that the dumsor tax is actually over 8%.

Speaking on Channel One, Forson described the tax as severe. He explained that when an okada rider buys fuel, they pay an extra 4.50 pesewas due to this tax. He stated, “It’s just a rip-off. A whopping 8%, which is outrageous.”

Forson expressed concern about commercial drivers planning to strike. He questioned what would happen to Ghana's economy if they did so. He also remarked that while the government claims the cedi is strong, people's pockets are empty.

Meanwhile, energy expert Kwame Jantuah acknowledged the dumsor levy as a necessary evil. He argued that everyone should share the burden of energy sector debt, including government appointees.

Jantuah noted that these appointees often do not feel pressure because they receive free fuel coupons. On TV3's Key Points program, he emphasized that if individuals had personal debts, they would discuss solutions with their families.

He questioned how long this fuel levy would last and demanded transparency regarding its use. Jantuah concluded by stating that government appointees do not experience the same financial strain as ordinary Ghanaians due to their benefits.