‘Fastest pickpocketing ever’ — Franklin Cudjoe criticises speedy passage of GH¢1 dumsor levy

Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe

Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed shock over the swift passage of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as an attempt to rob Ghanaians.

The bill, which was passed by a one-sided Parliament following a minority walkout on Tuesday, June 3, imposes a GH¢1 levy on every litre of fuel purchased. Many critics have since labelled it a “dumsor levy.”

Reacting in a post on social media on Wednesday, June 4, Mr. Cudjoe slammed the speed of the bill’s approval, calling it the fastest form of public exploitation.

“That quick? Fastest pickpocketing ever!!!” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), as sighted by ModernGhana News.

The bill was laid before Parliament and passed on the same day.

Prior to its approval, Mr. Cudjoe had urged the Energy Minister to reconsider the move, describing it as ill-advised and unnecessary.

“Dumsor levy replaces E-levy? My dear brother Energy Minister, please discontinue this dream immediately. Please, there is a lot of waste in the sector you are aware of. We can help you cut the waste now!!” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has defended the new levy, explaining that it will serve as a dedicated source of funding for liquid fuel procurement for power generation.

He noted that current electricity tariffs paid by consumers do not cover fuel costs.