Fuel tax is the better devil, tariffs would’ve been worse – Nii Lantey

Nii Lantey Vanderpuye is the National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). He defended the new GH¢1 levy on petroleum products. He said it is better than a potential 50% increase in electricity tariffs.

Vanderpuye spoke on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on June 5. He explained that the levy addresses energy sector challenges. It avoids passing high costs to Ghanaians through increased utility bills.

“This levy aims to fix a problem we created ourselves,” he stated. “If we don’t act, we will face a 50% rise in electricity costs.”

He posed a choice: pay more for electricity or contribute to the GH¢1 levy. He believes this approach can help resolve issues without raising electricity prices.

Vanderpuye emphasized two tough options: taxes or higher tariffs. The government chose what it thinks will cause less hardship for families and businesses.

The GH¢1 Energy Sector Recovery Levy was passed urgently in Parliament this week. This decision has sparked debates across the country. Critics, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, have condemned it as a betrayal of public trust.

However, Vanderpuye sees it as a fair trade-off. He believes it stabilizes the power sector without putting more financial strain on Ghanaians.