By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
The government is consulting key stakeholders over increasing demands to either scrap or reduce fuel-related taxes, following growing public concern about rising ex-pump prices of petroleum products.
The calls, have gained momentum in recent weeks, and are being championed by the Minority Caucus in Parliament, transport operators and other interest groups. They argue that the levies are driving up transport fares and deepening the cost of living crisis. They urged authorities to take immediate action to ease the burden on consumers.
Addressing participants at this year’s COMAC Safety Week, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, explained that discussions are ongoing with the Finance Ministry and other relevant bodies to evaluate the concerns and possible impact of the taxes and the resultant removal or reduction of the taxes where possible.
He stressed that although the government is willing to reconsider the levies, any decision must carefully balance short-term relief for citizens with the need to maintain long-term economic stability.
“We are committed to reviewing the levies and ensuring that the price stays stable. We should not take short-term economic decisions that will hurt the ordinary Ghanaian in the long term. That is not prudent economic management. Whatever cushion we can give Ghanaians in terms of petroleum prices, let us do that,” he said.
The Minister stressed on the government’s commitment to stabilizing prices of petroleum products in particular and prices in general.
