COPEC Praises Mahama for Cancelling Fuel Allowances for Appointees

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers-Ghana (COPEC) has lauded President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to eliminate fuel allowances for political appointees, calling it a progressive and commendable move.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, President Mahama ordered the immediate termination of all fuel-related benefits for his appointees. The directive was announced through a statement by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

The policy forms part of the Mahama administration’s broader “Reset Agenda” aimed at reducing government expenditure and reinforcing fiscal discipline. Funds saved from the scrapped allowances are expected to be redirected towards critical development initiatives.

In response, COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, welcomed the move and urged the government to ensure transparency in how the savings are utilized.

“We call on the government to create a dedicated account for the funds that would have otherwise gone toward fuel allowances, and use the proceeds for targeted public development projects that will benefit both current and future generations,” COPEC stated.

Key Points from COPEC’s Full Statement:

• COPEC acknowledged that fuel allowances have long been extended to Article 71 office holders and other government appointees, with average monthly allocations reaching around 833 litres per person.
• These provisions have historically included not just fuel but also state-funded vehicles and maintenance, representing significant expenditure by the state.
• While recognizing the need to support public officials to reduce the risk of corruption, COPEC stressed the importance of limiting excesses in office.
• The Chamber urged a broader review of all emoluments and benefits for public officials to reflect the country’s current economic realities.
• COPEC further recommended the adoption of electric or solar-powered vehicles for government use, as proposed by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transitions, to reduce fuel dependency and prevent future reinstatement of fuel perks.
• Additionally, COPEC called for a review of the petroleum price build-up, suggesting that outdated taxes be removed, especially in light of the upcoming GHS1 per litre levy taking effect on July 16, 2025.

Duncan Amoah signed the statement, reaffirming COPEC’s commitment to ensuring responsible energy policies and government accountability.