The Minority in Parliament is threatening mass protests over what it describes as a “callous,” “predatory,” and “economically devastating” GH¢1 fuel levy recently approved by Parliament.

At a press conference address by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, on Thursday, June 5, the Minority vowed to “hit the streets” alongside “well-meaning Ghanaians” to resist what they say is a midnight imposition of hardship through the backdoor.

“This is not just about a one-cedi increase,” he said. “It’s about the soul of our nation. Ato has forced D-levy on us.”

The levy, passed under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on June 3, is meant to raise revenue to address Ghana’s power sector debt and ensure a stable electricity supply.

But the Minority insists the levy is nothing but a cruel punishment on citizens already reeling under economic pressure.

“This GH¢1 increase on fuel prices is egregious,” he stated.

“The Finance Minister himself stated in January that ‘tariffs will not be used to raise revenue’ and ‘tariffs will not be used to reward ECG’s inefficiencies.’ This levy represents a complete and unacceptable reversal of that commitment.”

They argue the economic impact will be massive. “We project this tax will siphon a staggering GH¢475 million from the pockets of innocent Ghanaians every month, accumulating to GH¢5.7 billion annually,” the Caucus stated.

The Minority questioned the silence of government on ECG’s inefficiencies.

“What concrete steps have been taken to address ECG’s inefficiencies? The government’s silence on this critical issue is deafening.”

They described the justification for the tax as “simplistic and misleading,” especially claims that the levy was necessary because fuel prices have dropped.

“The international oil market is volatile and beyond government’s control,” the MP said.

“Blaming the energy crisis solely on Ghanaians and slapping them with this punitive tax is unfair and intellectually dishonest.”

The opposition MPs slammed the process by which the bill was passed.

“This bill was rammed through Parliament under a certificate of urgency with the speed of light,” they said.

“This was a midnight robbery, passed under the cover of darkness while Ghanaians were sleeping.”

Citing broken promises and contradictory policies, the Minority said the government had betrayed public trust.

“The Minister for Transport recently convinced drivers to reduce transport fares by 15%, only to turn around and stab them in the back with this fuel levy,” they argued.

“This, coupled with the recent 14% increase in electricity tariffs and 3% rise in water bills, shows clear disregard for the plight of ordinary Ghanaians.”

They also accused the government of hypocrisy for not scrapping fuel allowances for its appointees.

“Are they exempt from the pain they are inflicting on the rest of us?” the Nsawan-Adoagyiri MP asked.

“At least, the president and his appointees should have walked the talk by cancelling the free fuel for appointees so that we can trust them to feel for us.”

Calling for urgent reforms, the Minority demanded a withdrawal or drastic reduction of the levy and a renewed focus on transparency and efficiency in the energy sector.

“We demand answers, accountability, and a commitment to the well-being of all Ghanaians—not just the privileged few,” they said.

“This government is forcing hardship on Ghanaians. The term ‘Ato Didn’t Force’ perfectly captures this insensitive imposition.”

The Minority’s declaration marks the beginning of what could become a major wave of public resistance.

“We urge all Ghanaians to join us in opposing this unjust tax. This is just the beginning,” he warned.