Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has acknowledged the widespread public dissatisfaction surrounding the newly introduced Dumsor Levy, assuring Ghanaians that the government is mindful of their concerns.

Speaking on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, 7 June, he stressed that the administration is not blind to the difficulties citizens continue to face.

“As a government, we understand fully the disquiet that Ghanaians have expressed over the levy, considering the sufferings that they were subjected to by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government and the taxes that they piled on them,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.

His remarks come amid public backlash over the GH¢1 per litre surcharge on petroleum products, introduced under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who tabled the bill under a certificate of urgency, defended the measure by citing the energy sector’s crippling debt burden.

He noted that the sector’s total indebtedness stood at US$3.1 billion as of March 2025, with an estimated US$3.7 billion required to clear it, and a further US$1.2 billion needed to purchase fuel for thermal generation throughout the year.

However, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the levy, branding it a “predatory tax” expected to cost households and businesses about GH¢5.7 billion annually.

They argue the legislation was rushed through without adequate stakeholder engagement or transparency, and have demanded clarity on how the funds will be utilised.