Minority NPP demands immediate repeal of GH¢1 fuel levy after GRA postpone implementation

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has launched a fierce criticism of the NDC government following the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) abrupt decision to indefinitely suspend the implementation of the controversial Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, popularly known as the “Dumsor Levy.”

The levy, originally slated to take effect on June 16, was introduced as a mechanism to raise funds to cover energy sector deficits and pay down mounting debts. However, the announcement sparked swift backlash from civil society, industry players, and opposition figures alike.

According to the Minority, the government’s sudden U-turn is emblematic of what they describe as chronic incompetence, erratic policymaking, and a blatant disregard for proper stakeholder engagement.

In a strongly-worded statement signed by Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the group slammed the government for what it called a “shameful retreat”—a move they argue exposes glaring contradictions in the administration’s economic narrative.

"The same government that mocked external factors as excuses for economic mismanagement is now using the Middle East crisis as justification for crude oil price volatility," the statement read. "This is the height of hypocrisy and political opportunism."

The Minority insists that had the levy been implemented, it would have heaped additional financial strain on citizens already grappling with economic hardship. They argue that increased petroleum prices would have triggered a chain reaction, pushing up transport fares and food prices nationwide.

While welcoming the suspension, the caucus insists that postponement is not enough. They are demanding the outright repeal of the legislation and have called on the government to urgently present a repeal bill to Parliament under a certificate of urgency.

The statement further questioned the justification for the levy, contrasting it with the performance of the previous Akufo-Addo administration.

“Ghanaians deserve both reliable electricity and freedom from excessive fiscal burdens—objectives that are entirely compatible under competent leadership,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

The Minority also took aim at the stalled rollout of the Loss Reduction Programme—a policy introduced by the previous administration to combat electricity theft and replace outdated meters. They are demanding that the Energy Minister immediately submit all relevant documents on energy sector reforms to Parliament for thorough review.

“The worsening power crisis cannot be blamed on the absence of the levy but rather on this government’s failed leadership,” the statement added.

Pledging continued resistance to what it describes as harmful and regressive tax policies, the Minority is urging the public to join them in demanding the complete withdrawal of the Dumsor Levy.