Minority Caucus threatens mass protests over ‘unjust’ dumsor levy

The Minority in Parliament is threatening mass protests. They oppose a new GH¢1 fuel levy. They describe it as “callous,” “predatory,” and “economically devastating.”

At a press conference on June 5, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh spoke out. He said they will “hit the streets” with “well-meaning Ghanaians.” They believe this levy imposes hardship through the backdoor.

“This is not just about a one-cedi increase,” he stated. “It’s about the soul of our nation.” He accused Ato of forcing the D-levy on citizens.

The levy was passed under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on June 3. It aims to raise revenue for Ghana’s power sector debt and stable electricity supply. However, the Minority calls it cruel punishment for struggling citizens.

“This GH¢1 increase on fuel prices is egregious,” he added. The Finance Minister previously claimed tariffs wouldn’t be used to raise revenue or reward inefficiencies at ECG.

The Minority argues that this tax will have a massive impact. They project it will take GH¢475 million from Ghanaians monthly, totaling GH¢5.7 billion annually.

They questioned why the government remains silent about ECG’s inefficiencies. “What concrete steps have been taken?” they asked.

They criticized the justification for the tax as “simplistic and misleading.” Claims that fuel prices dropped do not hold up, according to them.

“The international oil market is volatile and beyond government control,” an MP noted. Blaming Ghanaians for the energy crisis while imposing this tax is unfair.

The opposition MPs condemned how quickly the bill was passed. “This bill was rammed through Parliament under urgency,” they said.

“This was a midnight robbery, passed while Ghanaians were sleeping.”

They accused the government of betraying public trust with broken promises. The Transport Minister recently urged drivers to reduce fares by 15%, then imposed this fuel levy.

Recent increases in electricity tariffs and water bills show disregard for ordinary Ghanaians, they argued.

They also called out government hypocrisy regarding fuel allowances for appointees. “Are they exempt from the pain inflicted on us?” asked an MP from Nsawan-Adoagyiri.

“At least, President and his appointees should cancel free fuel allowances,” he suggested. This would show they care about ordinary citizens’ struggles.

The Minority demands urgent reforms: withdrawal or drastic reduction of the levy and improved transparency in energy management.

“We demand answers and accountability for all Ghanaians—not just a privileged few,” they stated.

“This government is forcing hardship on Ghanaians.” They believe their slogan captures this insensitivity perfectly: ‘Ato Didn’t Force.’

Their declaration signals potential public resistance ahead. “We urge all Ghanaians to join us against this unjust tax," Annoh-Dompreh warned.