Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare, has criticised the recently introduced Energy Sector Levy, arguing that Ghanaians ought to be enjoying the recent appreciation of the cedi rather than being burdened with new taxes.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, 9th June, the MP expressed her disapproval of what she described as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s decision to impose additional financial pressures on the public.

"Why should you refuse or prevent Ghanaians from enjoying a windfall that they ought to enjoy just because you feel there has been a reduction or appreciation in the cedi against its major trading currencies? I should take it off? We told them that managing the economy is not just about talking and shouting," she said on the show.

Mrs Osei-Asare, who is also the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, contended that the introduction of the new levy contradicts the principle of easing the cost of living for the ordinary Ghanaian.

She argued that this is not what the NDC promised Ghanaians before the 2024 general elections.

"In your campaign, you told the people of Ghana you were coming to relieve them of the taxes that had been burdening them; you came and all of a sudden you changed," she argued.

The new Energy Sector Levy imposes an additional GHS1 charge on each litre of petrol and diesel purchased at the pump.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the levy is aimed at addressing longstanding challenges within the energy sector.

Government officials argue that the measure is necessary to stabilise the power sector and ensure the continuity of supply. However, critics, especially the opposition New Patriotic Party, have described it as a regressive tax that places an undue burden on consumers.