The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has thrown its full support behind a recent directive by President John Dramani Mahama to terminate fuel allowances for all presidential appointees with immediate effect.

Describing the decision as “forward-thinking” and “commendable,” COPEC sees the move as a bold and necessary step toward trimming government spending and restoring public confidence in the nation’s leadership.

In a statement reacting to the development, COPEC emphasized that the scrapping of fuel allowances marks a turning point in Ghana’s approach to managing state resources and public office excesses. The group noted that while appointees deserve logistical support to carry out their duties, the long-standing tradition of unrestrained perks—such as state-sponsored vehicles and unlimited fuel—has become unsustainable in the face of Ghana’s current economic challenges.

The Shocking Numbers Behind the Fuel Bill

COPEC’s research reveals the magnitude of the state’s fuel expenditure on appointees, with each presidential appointee consuming, on average, about 833 litres (185 gallons) of fuel monthly. Some appointees, the statement added, enjoy even higher fuel provisions depending on the nature of their roles and ranks.

This provision comes in addition to the government’s supply of top-of-the-range vehicles for official use, along with their maintenance and servicing costs—expenses COPEC described as “staggering.” The organization believes that curtailing such luxuries is long overdue and reflects a necessary austerity stance in line with the country’s fiscal realities.

COPEC, while applauding the initiative, urged the government to take further action by extending the review to other emoluments and gratuities enjoyed by public office holders. “As the government seeks to advance austerity in public spending,” COPEC said, “it is only logical that emoluments across the board reflect the current economic status of the country.”

The Chamber called for a broader audit of public office perks, warning that unchecked benefits continue to place enormous pressure on the national purse. According to COPEC, the cancellation of fuel allowances should be the beginning—not the end—of a sweeping reform agenda to ensure accountability and judicious use of public funds.

Reinvesting the Savings for Public Good

Beyond policy praise, COPEC went further to suggest a mechanism for reinvesting the funds that would have gone into fueling appointee vehicles. The group called on the government to create a special account to house the savings, earmarking the funds for public development projects that can have a long-term impact on both current and future generations.

“Let this policy be more than symbolic,” COPEC appealed. “The proceeds from the scrapped fuel allocations must become a testament of prudent fiscal management and the government’s commitment to national development.”

The Case for Cleaner, Greener Mobility

In line with Ghana’s energy transition efforts, COPEC also seized the opportunity to advocate for a more sustainable transportation policy for government officials. Echoing calls from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transitions, COPEC urged the adoption of electric or solar-powered vehicles for public service.

“The government must make a clean break from high-consuming V8 Land Cruisers and other fuel-guzzling vehicles,” the statement read. “Switching to cleaner alternatives will not only save the environment but also remove the temptation of ever reinstating fuel allowances.”

The Chamber believes that embracing renewable mobility for public officeholders would position Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable governance while complementing broader climate action goals.

COPEC concluded its statement by drawing attention to other pressing issues in Ghana’s petroleum sector. The group urged the government to audit the petroleum price build-up, emphasizing that some legacy taxes embedded in current pricing models are outdated and should be removed.

The timing of this request is particularly significant, given the government’s plan to introduce a new GH¢1 per litre levy, effective July 16, 2025. COPEC warns that without urgent price structure reforms, the new levy could further burden consumers already grappling with high fuel costs.