You imposed over 30 taxes – Kwakye Ofosu jabs Bawumia

Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has responded to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's criticism of the new GH¢1-per-litre fuel levy. Critics have labeled this levy the “Dumsor Levy.” Kwakye Ofosu argues that Bawumia and his administration lack the moral authority to complain about taxes.

Kwakye Ofosu spoke on JoyNews' Newsfile after Bawumia's comments. He accused the NPP of creating a legacy of high taxes and economic struggles during their time in office.

He said, “If his government had imposed just E-Levy, Ghanaians wouldn’t have protested.” He noted that they imposed over 30 taxes in eight years.

Bawumia, now the NPP flagbearer, criticized the NDC for betraying public trust. At a community event, he claimed the current government is hypocritical. He argued that the “Dumsor Levy” is harsher than the E-Levy that the NDC opposed.

Bawumia stated that while the E-Levy charged GH¢10 on every GH¢1,000 transferred electronically, the Dumsor Levy takes GH¢83 on every GH¢1,000 worth of fuel purchased.

Kwakye Ofosu dismissed this comparison as misleading. He emphasized that Bawumia’s record in government speaks for itself.

“It’s easy to complain now,” he said. “But Ghanaians remember all those taxes introduced without a crisis.”

The fuel levy was passed by Parliament on June 2, 2025, under urgent conditions. The government defends it as necessary to tackle rising energy sector debt exceeding $3 billion.