Josiah
Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Jinapor, has defended the government’s decision to introduce a GH¢1.00 petroleum levy, calling it a prudent and timely fiscal move to stabilize Ghana’s energy sector.
Speaking on Joy FM on Wednesday, June 4, Jinapor explained that the levy—approved by Parliament just a day earlier—was carefully timed and could not have been introduced when fuel prices were significantly higher.
“When we came into office, fuel prices were around GH¢16 per litre. A responsible government wouldn’t impose a levy under such conditions,” he said. “Now that prices have dropped to about GH¢13 per litre, we see this as an opportunity to share the gains with Ghanaians through the levy.”
He added that improved global fuel prices and a relatively stable cedi have increased consumer purchasing power, making this the right time to implement the policy without placing undue burden on citizens.
“It’s better to introduce the levy now than when it would have further strained household incomes,” Jinapor said.
However, the new levy has sparked criticism from opposition MPs, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who argue that it will worsen the cost of living and disproportionately affect ordinary Ghanaians.
Source:Omanghana.com
