The Minority in Parliament has accused the Akufo-Addo-led government of orchestrating a “backdoor tax robbery” with the passage of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The bill, which introduces a GH¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum product, was passed on June 3 under what the Minority calls “a certificate of urgency, with the speed of light, while Ghanaians slept.”

At a press conference on June 5, the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, warned that this move represents a cruel betrayal of public trust and a deepening of economic hardship for already-struggling citizens.

Describing the new levy as “callous, insensitive, and a predatory tax hike,” the Minority dismissed claims that the Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, was coerced into backing the bill.

“The term ‘Ato Didn’t Force’ perfectly encapsulates the government’s approach: a forceful imposition of hardship without genuine consideration for the people,” the statement said, referencing the Minister’s nickname and widespread social media criticism.

“This is not a minor inconvenience,” the statement declared.

“It’s a significant blow to household budgets and businesses nationwide. We estimate this tax will drain GH¢475 million from Ghanaians every month. That’s GH¢5.7 billion annually. And for what? There is no transparency, no accountability, and no timeline for how these funds will be used.”

The Minority accused the government of hypocrisy and deceit. They referenced the Finance Minister’s January assurance that “tariffs will not be used to raise revenue” and “tariffs will not be used to reward ECG’s inefficiencies.”

That promise, the caucus said, has now been shredded. “What concrete steps have been taken to fix ECG’s wastefulness? None. Instead, the people are being made to pay for a broken system.”

The group also questioned the logic behind the government’s justification that falling fuel prices made room for the new levy.

“This reasoning is simplistic and misleading,” the statement read. “International oil markets are volatile. So what happens when prices rise again? Will Ghanaians be expected to pay even more?”

They warned that the ripple effect on inflation and cost of living would be devastating.

“Fuel is an input for every sector—transport, food, and manufacturing. This levy will hit everyone, from trotro drivers to market women. Meanwhile, government appointees continue to enjoy free fuel. Why hasn’t that been cancelled if we are all in this together?”

The statement accused the government of executing a carefully staged betrayal.

“Just weeks ago, the Transport Minister begged drivers to reduce fares by 15%. Now you stab them in the back with a tax hike. This, along with the recent 14% increase in electricity tariffs and 3% hike in water bills, is nothing short of economic cruelty.”

The Minority warned that this was not the end of their resistance.

“We will not stand by while Ghanaians are robbed in the dead of night. We will join hands with all well-meaning citizens and hit the streets. This wicked tax must be withdrawn or reduced. Enough is enough.”

They concluded with a sharp rebuke of the government’s handling of the energy sector and its disregard for fairness and accountability.

“This is not just about one cedi. It’s about justice. It’s about trust. It’s about the soul of our nation. And right now, the people are not just angry. They are awake.”