The Minority in Parliament has asserted that the widespread public discontent over the government’s GH¢1 per litre fuel levy is a clear indication that adequate stakeholder consultation and transparency were not observed prior to its introduction.
According to them, the backlash should prompt a reconsideration of how fiscal policies are communicated and implemented.
Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, 10 June, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economic Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, criticised the government’s handling of the levy.
He argued that the lack of open parliamentary procedure and public engagement reflects poorly on the policy’s legitimacy.
“They never mentioned it as a policy matter in the economic policy they brought to Parliament. On the day they were bringing the levy, they did not even advertise it on the order paper,” he revealed.
He drew comparisons with the rollout of the unpopular E-Levy, noting that despite its controversy, it underwent significant public engagement.
“You recall that sometime back, a 1% per transaction levy was introduced on people who elected to do electronic money transfers.
“There was a lot of engagement, town hall meetings, consultations – the government eventually reduced the rate, implemented it, and it was very unpopular,” Mr Nkrumah stated.
In contrast, he recounted how the GH¢1 fuel levy was hastily pushed through Parliament without proper notice or debate.
“Midway through – just before we ended hearing – they brought a one-page order paper addendum,” he said.
He added, “When we begged, literally, that let’s take our time and even invite other views… They said no, they won’t do it, and they rushed in the midnight and passed it through.”
Mr Nkrumah concluded that the government’s decision to defer the levy’s implementation date in response to public outcry validates the Minority’s concerns.
“Now you are beginning to hear a lot of pushback. Government is now changing the dates for implementation. It tells you obviously that there is a need to do a lot more engagement on this economic policy,” he added.
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