You Imposed Over 30 Taxes on Ghanaians – Kwakye Ofosu Responds to Bawumia’s Dumsor Levy Criticism

Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has fired back at former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over his criticism of the newly introduced GHC1 “Dumsor Levy”, accusing the previous NPP administration of burdening Ghanaians with over 30 taxes during its eight years in office.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 7, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu dismissed Dr. Bawumia’s remarks as hypocritical and politically opportunistic.

“I have heard Bawumia waxing lyrical about this tax. If his government had imposed just E-levy, Ghanaians wouldn’t have risen against it. They imposed over 30 taxes on Ghanaians in the eight years that they governed,” he said.

His comments were in response to Dr. Bawumia’s remarks made during his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Central Region, where the former Vice President accused the NDC government of betrayal for abolishing the E-levy, only to introduce what he called a “Dumsor Levy.”

Dr. Bawumia described the new levy as proof that the NDC had misled Ghanaians in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, cautioning the public to expect even more taxes.

The Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament on June 3, imposes a GHC1 per litre tax on petroleum products. The government says the levy is essential to raise funds to address a US$3.1 billion energy sector debt and secure US$1.2 billion worth of fuel for thermal power generation.

While the government defends the levy as a necessary step to ensure energy stability, it has sparked controversy. The Minority in Parliament has described it as a “predatory tax”, criticising the bill for being rushed through without adequate consultation or transparency.

Despite the backlash, government officials argue that the move is part of a broader fiscal strategy aimed at resolving long-standing challenges in the energy sector and stabilising the country’s power supply.