The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Adentan, Akosua Manu, widely known as Kozie, has strongly criticised the government’s introduction of the GH¢1 per litre Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL), accusing it of exploiting public trust to impose burdensome taxes on Ghanaians.
In a media interview on Monday, June 9, 2025, Kozie condemned the way the controversial levy was framed under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, describing it as misleading and downplayed to the public.
“This GH¢1 tax per litre isn’t a small matter. That’s GH¢4.50 extra per gallon of fuel,” she said. “Let’s stop pretending it’s a minor cost. Selling it as a one-time or monthly fee is a clear attempt to gaslight citizens. The public deserves honesty, not manipulation,” she added.
Her remarks echo the growing frustration among Ghanaians over the rising cost of living, largely attributed to the government’s increasing reliance on indirect taxes. Kozie warned the ruling party not to squander its remaining political goodwill on unpopular policies that risk deepening voter discontent ahead of the next elections.
The ESSDRL, scheduled to take effect on June 16, is intended to help restructure mounting power sector debts. However, critics argue that it disproportionately affects ordinary citizens without addressing inefficiencies within key state institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COAMC) has also condemned the levy, calling its rollout “unlawful and coercive.”
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has announced plans for mass protests, estimating the levy could extract over GH¢475 million from consumers monthly, translating to GH¢5.7 billion annually.
As public backlash intensifies, Kozie’s comments highlight internal dissent within the NPP and a deepening demand for government accountability.
