Adomako-Mensah says government ignored warnings over GH¢1 fuel levy

The government’s decision to introduce the GH¢1-per-litre fuel levy has contributed to the pressure now facing petroleum consumers, with the Minority in Parliament insisting that the difficulties could have been avoided if its earlier concerns had been considered.

The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, said the Minority had warned that tying the charge to movements in international crude oil prices and the exchange rate could expose consumers to higher fuel costs whenever those variables changed.

He argued that the levy was introduced at a time when global crude oil prices were relatively low, and the cedi was stable, conditions which the government relied on to suggest that the additional charge would not significantly affect pump prices.

According to the Afigya Kwabre East MP, however, the government failed to adequately account for the possibility of a sharp increase in global oil prices and the resulting impact on domestic fuel costs.

He also questioned the decision to impose the levy on a per-litre basis instead of per gallon, arguing that the alternative would have placed a lower financial burden on consumers.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Mr Adomako-Mensah said the developments had reinforced the concerns raised by the Minority when the levy was introduced.

“We have argued and advised government that if they base the increment on a component that they don’t have control over, anytime that component goes overboard, they’ll be in trouble, which is what we’re experiencing now,” he said.

He said the government’s decision to suspend the levy was not sufficient, calling instead for its permanent abolition.