Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Godfred Bokpin, has described as justified Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent criticism of the new Dumsor Levy introduced by the NDC government.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, 7 June, Prof Bokpin noted that the concerns raised by the former Vice President reflect legitimate economic anxieties surrounding the policy.
“Looking at it, he has a point for saying what he has said,” Prof Bokpin remarked, referencing the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The new legislation, which imposes a GH¢1 per litre surcharge on petroleum products, was passed by Parliament under a certificate of urgency.
It is intended to raise revenue to address Ghana’s US$3.1 billion energy sector debt and ensure reliable power supply.
Dr Bawumia, while addressing party faithful in Cape Coast during his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Central Region, accused the NDC of political dishonesty, saying they had campaigned against the E-levy and scrapped it, only to introduce a new “Dumsor Levy.”
“The NDC has told a lot of lies. Everyone sees their lies every day. Last night, I hope you all saw it. They have introduced a Dumsor Levy,” he said, urging Ghanaians to brace themselves for more taxes.
The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, defended the bill by pointing to the urgent need for at least US$3.7 billion to clear sector debts and an additional US$1.2 billion to fuel thermal generation in 2025.
However, the Minority in Parliament has condemned the levy as a “predatory tax” that will extract roughly GH¢5.7 billion annually from households and businesses.
They have demanded full transparency on how the funds will be used and criticised the rushed manner in which the legislation was passed.
