Bawumia Accuses NDC of Double Standards Over 'Dumsor Levy'

Accra, Ghana - 04 June, 2025 - The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration's introduction of a new energy sector levy, describing it as a "Dumsor Levy". The levy, which increases the tax on petroleum products by GHS1, aims to raise revenue to address the growing debt in the energy sector and support power supply reliability.

The Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, after being laid before the House by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. According to Dr. Forson, the bill is necessary to clear the energy sector's debt, which currently stands at GHS 3.1 billion, and to secure fuel for thermal power generation in 2025.

Addressing party supporters on Wednesday, Dr. Bawumia accused the NDC of double standards and deception, pointing out that the party had previously criticized the E-Levy, which was introduced by the NPP, and had even promised to cancel it when they came to power.

“The NDC has been telling lies. On June 3, you all saw what they did in the evening. They have introduced ‘Dumsor’ Levy, ‘Dumsor’ Levy. They criticised the ‘E-levy and cancelled it, now they have introduced ‘Dumsor’ Levy. It is the 8th time the E-levy,'' he said.

Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the impact of the new levy on consumers, noting that it would result in higher taxes on petroleum products.

“If you buy one gallon of petrol, you will pay GHC1. If you buy GHC1,000 of petrol, you will pay GHC83 as tax. E-Levy GHC1,000 charges were GHC10.''

Dr. Bawumia cautioned that the NDC's track record suggests more taxes are likely to follow, but he is optimistic that Ghanaians will see through their plans and vote for the NPP in future elections.

“More of the taxes will be introduced when we get to 2028, I’m hopeful that Ghanaians will see their true colours and they will tell us to return to power.”

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has defended the fuel hike, stating that it is difficult but necessary. Dr. Ato Forson also justified the tax increase, citing the urgent need for funds to clear energy sector debts and secure fuel for thermal power generation.

Source: Lead News Online