Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Mrs Abena Osei-Asare, has called on the John Mahama-led government to deliver on its promises of efficiency in the energy sector rather than resorting to the imposition of new taxes on Ghanaians.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mrs Osei-Asare expressed concern over the introduction of a new GH₵1 Energy Sector Levy, stating that it contradicts the NDC’s earlier commitment to streamline operations and reduce waste within the sector.

"You told the people of Ghana that you were coming to relieve them of the taxes that they had been burdened with, so you said one thing, the people gave you the mandate, you came, and quickly you did something else. All we are saying is do the needful, and doing the needful is to take the efficient measures you talked about," she said.

Mrs Osei-Asare, who is also the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, argued that the new levy places a financial strain on already burdened citizens.

The GH₵1 Energy Sector Levy adds a one-cedi charge per litre of fuel at the pump. Government officials say the levy is necessary to address mounting energy sector crises.

However, critics, including opposition MPs, have challenged the move, describing it as a regressive tax that could worsen the cost-of-living crisis.