GHC1 fuel hike: Bawumia slams Mahama over ‘Dumsor’ Levy

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP's 2024 Presidential Candidate, criticized the Mahama-led administration. He called the new energy sector levy a “Dumsor Levy.”

The Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. It passed on June 3 and raises the levy on petroleum products by GHS1. This increase aims to generate revenue for addressing debts in the energy sector.

Bawumia spoke to party supporters on June 4. He accused the NDC of double standards and deception. He said, “The NDC has been telling lies.”

He pointed out that consumers now face higher taxes on fuel. For example, buying one gallon of petrol incurs a GHS1 tax. If you buy GHS1,000 worth of petrol, you pay GHS83 in tax.

Bawumia warned that more tax hikes could come by 2028 under the NDC. However, he expressed hope that voters would reject them and support the NPP again.

President John Dramani Mahama defended the fuel hike as necessary but difficult. Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson justified the tax increase due to urgent funding needs for energy sector debts totaling GHS3.1 billion.

Forson stated that $3.7 billion is needed to clear these debts and $1.2 billion for thermal power generation fuel in 2025. He also mentioned that recent cedi stability would help reduce import costs in the petroleum sector.

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