The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of incompetence and hypocrisy following its decision to suspend the controversial Energy Sector Levy, also known as the Dumsor Levy.
The levy, part of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, was scheduled to start on June 16 but was halted by the Ghana Revenue Authority on June 13.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called the move “a shameful retreat” and said it proves the government lacks proper planning and leadership.
“This is not a policy review. It’s a panic decision. You don’t rush a law through Parliament only to suspend it days before it takes effect,” he said on Saturday, June 14.
The government had said the levy was needed to pay off energy sector debts. But Afenyo-Markin noted that the same administration had mocked previous governments for blaming global events like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war. He accused the current government of doing the same by citing the Middle East crisis as a reason for crude oil price volatility.
“They once rejected global excuses. Now, they are using the same ones. That is clear hypocrisy,” he said.
The Minority believes the levy was rushed without proper consultation. Afenyo-Markin urged the government to go beyond suspension and completely repeal the law.
“Ghanaians are already struggling with high food prices, transport fares, and electricity bills. Adding more fuel taxes shows a lack of care and planning,” he said.
He also warned the government not to blame recent power outages on the levy’s suspension. “Under Akufo-Addo, the power stayed on without extra taxes. If this government cannot manage without taxing Ghanaians more, then they have failed.”
Afenyo-Markin said the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is still facing major issues like expired meters and power theft. He questioned why the plan to replace faulty meters has stalled, even though suppliers are available.
“The Energy Minister must explain what’s causing the delay. Parliament also deserves full information and documents,” he said.
The Minority Leader ended by calling on Ghanaians to resist the levy and demand its total removal. “This is not just politics. It’s about protecting people from unfair taxes. Ghanaians deserve electricity without being taxed into hardship,” he added.
