Reports: Solomon Osei-Mainoo (Abi Solo)
In a recent *turn of events that has sparked widespread* concern among citizens, particularly within the transport sector, the Government of Ghana has announced the introduction of a new fuel levy—just as the much-criticized E-Levy and Emission Levy are being rolled back.
While these removals were initially welcomed, the introduction of the fuel levy has been met with skepticism and frustration, as it threatens to worsen the economic burden on ordinary Ghanaians* .
The government’s move has been described by many as a classic case of *“politics of tricks,” where the removal of unpopular levies is used to mask the introduction of equally, if not more, burdensome alternatives.* *Though framed as part of a strategy to “stabilize revenue generation” and “offset losses,” the timing and structure of this new levy raise serious questions about transparency, policy consistency, and prioritization. .
Most affected by this decision are *Ghana’s cherished drivers—commercial and private—whose* livelihoods are directly tied to fuel consumption. *A fuel levy directly translates to increased transport fares, higher cost of logistics, and by extension, inflation in food and essential goods. In a country where the cost of living is already on the rise, this new policy could push many families further into economic hardship..
Beyond the transport sector, the broader *impact of fuel-related costs will trickle into every aspect of Ghanaian life. Market women, small business owners,* *students, and civil servants will all feel the pinch.* For a country striving toward economic recovery and resilience, such a policy— *without adequate public engagement or clear economic cushioning—can feel like a betrayal.
Citizens and civil society* groups are therefore calling on the government to *reconsider this decision. If the aim is to ease financial pressure and promote growth, then introducing a fuel levy seems counterproductive* . We urge policymakers to explore more sustainable revenue-generation strategies that do not disproportionately impact the working class and vulnerable.
As the public continues to *reel from the effects of past fiscal policies, this latest move has reignited the call for accountable governance, participatory decision-making, and people-centered economic planning.*
*We stand with Ghanaian drivers and the many households who will bear the brunt of this policy shift. Let’s not solve one problem by creating another.*
- Signed
SOLOMON OSEI-MAINOO
” ABI-SOLO ”
0242-385748*
