Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over the introduction of a new energy sector levy, which he dubbed the “Dumsor Levy.”
The levy, which increases the tax on petroleum products by GH¢1, aims to raise revenue to address the growing debt in the energy sector.
Addressing party supporters on Wednesday, June 4, Dr. Bawumia accused the NDC of double standards and deception.
“The NDC has been telling lies. On June 3, you all saw what they did in the evening. They have introduced ‘Dumsor’ Levy, ‘Dumsor’ Levy. They criticised the E-levy and cancelled it, now they have introduced ‘Dumsor’ Levy,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the impact of the levy on consumers, noting that “If you buy one gallon of petrol, you will pay GH¢1. If you buy GH¢1,000 of petrol, you will pay GH¢83 as tax. E-Levy GH¢1,000 charges were GH¢10.”
He warned that Ghanaians could expect further tax hikes by 2028 under the NDC and expressed hope that voters would reject them and bring the NPP back to power.
“More of the taxes will be introduced when we get to 2028, I’m hopeful that Ghanaians will see their true colours and they will tell us to return to power,” Dr. Bawumia said.
The Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, with the government citing the need to address the energy sector’s significant debt burden.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson justified the tax increase, citing the urgent need for funds to clear the energy sector’s debt and secure fuel for thermal power generation in 2025.
In contrast, President John Dramani Mahama has defended the fuel levy hike as “difficult but necessary” for stabilizing Ghana’s energy sector.