The Ashanti Regional Secretary for the Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Adu Gyamfi, has opined that it is too early for Ghanaians to criticise the government over the introduction of the Gh₵1 levy on petroleum products.
The government has come under serious criticism from organisations, associations, the NPP and individuals over approving the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GHS1 increase in the levy on petroleum products.
The new levy is expected to generate an additional 5.7 billion Ghana cedis in revenue to help reduce energy sector debts and support stable power supply.
According to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the energy sector debt currently stands at $3.1 billion, and $3.7 billion is required to clear the arrears fully.
Reacting to this on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Adu Gyamfi stated that we have to exercise patience since it was too early to attack the government.
He explained that the energy sector is bedevilled with serious financial challenges, and it was important for authorities to find workable solutions in addressing these challenges.
He was, however, quick to add that the collection of taxes was not necessarily a problem, but what they are used for has become the concern for Ghanaians.
He admonished Ghanaians to support the government and give it more time before making any objective commentary about the new levy.
”We must be fair with the government. Since taking office, the Mahama-led administration has scrapped several taxes, and we do not want them to impose new taxes. That is impossible and cannot occur. The two major challenges confronting the country are energy and the depreciation of the cedi. Any government that implements policies to address these challenges must be supported. I believe those criticising the government are doing so for political reasons.
Paying taxes and using them for development are two distinct issues. Paying taxes is not painful, but failing to use them to develop the country or for their intended purposes is something Ghanaians despise. If this new levy can help address the challenges facing the energy sector, we must support it. It is therefore premature to criticise the government. Let us give them time. The cedi has stabilised. We maintain our gains; I do not believe Ghanaians will be concerned about paying the Ghc1 levy on petroleum products.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
