Minority Calls for Full Repeal of ‘Dumsor Levy’, Slams Government Over Policy Flip-Flop

The Minority in Parliament has sharply criticized the Mahama administration over what it labels a “disgraceful backtracking” on the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025—commonly referred to as the Dumsor Levy—after the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) indefinitely suspended its rollout.

In a press release dated Sunday, June 15, the Minority described the government’s last-minute postponement, which was set to take effect on June 16, as further proof of “disorderly and inconsistent economic management.”

“This abrupt reversal reflects a policy-making approach rooted in guesswork and highlights a troubling disregard for stakeholder consultation before the bill’s passage,” the statement said.

They dismissed the government’s explanation that global oil price instability, particularly stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict, was behind the suspension, calling it hypocritical. “This is the same administration that criticized the previous Akufo-Addo government for blaming international factors—yet now uses the same excuse to justify its own failures,” the statement noted.

The Minority is pushing for Parliament to reconvene urgently and completely abolish the levy, arguing that suspending it is simply not enough.

“The Dumsor Tax was flawed from the beginning. Imposing additional fuel taxes in a time of economic hardship is both reckless and insensitive,” they asserted.

The Caucus also rejected the government’s justification that the levy would help stabilize the energy sector and pay off inherited debts. They claimed that the prior administration ensured reliable electricity without burdening citizens with extra taxes.

They further cautioned the government against shifting blame for any worsening power challenges onto the levy’s suspension. Instead, they pointed to internal failures at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), inefficient metering systems, and the collapse of the Loss Reduction Programme instituted by the former government.

“The root of our energy problems is not the lack of this levy—it is leadership failure and poor management,” the statement emphasized.

In conclusion, the Minority reminded the ruling government of its campaign promise to ease the financial pressures on Ghanaians and pledged to fiercely oppose any policies that worsen the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.