The newly introduced GHS1.00 energy sector levy on every litre of petroleum products has ignited widespread criticism and growing public discourse, particularly from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which views the levy as an unjustified financial burden on ordinary Ghanaians.
One of the loudest voices in opposition to the policy has come from the NPP’s Second Upper East Regional Chairman, Bampil Badeabo Moses, who has lashed out at the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing it of deception, hypocrisy, and deepening the economic hardships of Ghanaians.
Speaking to the Vaultz News, Bampil described the levy as not only unnecessary but an insult to the intelligence of the Ghanaian people.
He questioned the government’s justification that the levy would help pay down the energy sector debt, claiming that the NDC had previously opposed similar fiscal measures while in opposition.
“There is no justification for the NDC under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama to impose such a tax after kicking against every tax introduced by the previous administration”.
NPP’s Second Upper East Regional Chairman, Bampil Badeabo Moses
According to him, the imposition of this tax betrays the very principles Mahama and the NDC stood for in opposition.
Bampil emphasized that under the previous NDC administration, Ghanaians endured a multitude of taxes, including controversial ones like a levy on condoms and cutlasses, which he deemed as signs of a government out of touch with the daily struggles of its people.
He recalled how the Akufo-Addo-led NPP government, upon assuming office in 2017, scrapped what he described as 17 “nuisance taxes,” including levies on kayaaye (head porters), which he believes helped relieve financial pressure on the most vulnerable.
Repackaging Financial Burden
In a sharp rebuke, Bampil accused the Mahama-led NDC of simply repackaging the financial burden it once condemned.
“They kicked against taxes when in opposition. Now, they have come into power and are doing worse. Ghanaians are being forced to pay GHS1 per litre of fuel — there are no alternatives to avoid this tax”.
NPP’s Second Upper East Regional Chairman, Bampil Badeabo Moses
He drew a contrast between the now-repealed electronic transaction levy (E-levy) and the new energy levy, arguing that while people could choose not to engage in electronic transfers, the fuel tax affects everyone across the board — from car owners to passengers and even consumers of goods affected by anticipated increased transportation costs.
Bampil expressed further disappointment in how the government introduced the tax, describing it as “smuggled under the cover of emergency,” without proper consultation with stakeholders.
He took issue with government spokespersons who, in his view, are attempting to spin public opinion in favour of the tax despite being shielded from its effects by fuel coupons and official perks.
“They don’t buy fuel, yet they defend the indefensible. They don’t understand the pain this draconian tax will cause. Whether you own a vehicle or not, you will suffer. Drivers will pass on the cost. Traders will increase their prices. Eventually, this GHS1 levy will triple the cost of living.”
NPP’s Second Upper East Regional Chairman, Bampil Badeabo Moses
“Harsh and Suffocating Taxes”
He cautioned that this could be a precursor to even more “harsh and suffocating taxes” from a government that has lost its grip on economic management.
While acknowledging that the cedi has recently made modest gains against the dollar and global fuel prices have dropped, Bampil accused the NDC of opportunism.
“Instead of letting Ghanaians enjoy the fuel price reliefs, this government, like a desperate armed robber, rushes to impose a tax. If you buy 100 litres, you give the government GHS100 for free — it’s unthinkable”.
NPP’s Second Upper East Regional Chairman, Bampil Badeabo Moses
Bampil concluded with a hopeful message for the future, expressing confidence that Ghanaians will, in time, come to appreciate the governance of the former NPP administration.
He noted that while President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government made tough choices, it never compromised the well-being of the average Ghanaian for political expediency.
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