Collins Adomako Mensah
The Minority in Parliament has welcomed the government’s decision to suspend some taxes and levies on petroleum products, describing the move as a timely intervention to cushion Ghanaians against rising fuel prices triggered by global tensions.
The policy shift follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama after an emergency Cabinet meeting on April 9, 2026 aimed at mitigating the impact of surging crude oil prices linked to instability in the Middle East.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, said the Minority supports the initiative despite limited details on its scope.
“It is welcoming news, although we have not been given specific details as to which levies or taxes or margins will be taken off or suspended. The Minority welcomes the attempt by government to cushion the Ghanaian people,” he stated.
Under the directive, the tax relief is expected to be implemented for an initial period of four weeks, subject to review based on prevailing market conditions.
The government’s decision comes in response to a sharp increase in global petroleum prices, largely attributed to supply disruptions following heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The situation has been exacerbated by the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, which has significantly constrained supply.
At the Cabinet meeting, President Mahama tasked the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Energy, John Jinapor, to urgently engage stakeholders within the energy sector to work out modalities for removing selected taxes and levies on fuel.
The measures are expected to take effect from the next petroleum pricing window.
Announcing the decision, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that the intervention is part of broader efforts to stabilise domestic fuel prices and protect consumers from external shocks.
However, while endorsing the government’s move, the Minority has renewed calls for greater transparency in the management of existing fuel-related levies.
Mr. Adomako Mensah questioned the accountability surrounding the GH¢1 fuel levy, noting that the government has yet to present a mandatory report to Parliament on its accruals and utilisation.
“The law stipulated that government was to report to Parliament by the 31st of March as to how much has accrued to the fund from the GH¢1 levy and how it has been used. Up till now that has not been presented to Parliament. We are not too sure how much has come and how it has been used,” he said.
By Ernest Kofi Adu