Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South and former Deputy Education Minister, has strongly criticised the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC’s) newly introduced fuel tax which is popularly known by Ghanaians as the “D‑Levy” or “Dumsor Levy”. Rev. Ntim Fordjour says the D-Levy is “far worse” than the much‑maligned E‑Levy.
In a social media post on his official handle, he highlighted the stark differences between the two levies saying:
E‑Levy: Charged GH₵10 per GH₵1,000 on mobile‑money transfers.
D‑Levy: Slaps an effective GH₵83 per GH₵1,000 of fuel purchased.
Rev. Fordjour asked whether such a high fuel levy was part of the NDC manifesto, adding….
“Drivers and Okada riders will definitely pass this on to passengers. Private car users will be worse off.”
He warned that the financial burden would fall heavily on ordinary citizens.
The D‑Levy was introduced through the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, passed by Parliament on June 3 amid opposition walkouts. Despite the levy being officially set at GH₵1 per litre of fuel equating to the GH₵83 per GH₵1,000 fuel purchase emphasized by Rev. Fordjour – it is intended to fund the power sector and help reduce national debt.
Proponents, including Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson and Energy Minister John Jinapor, argue the levy is vital to clearing the energy sector’s US$3.1 billion debt and ensuring stable electricity supply. They also say falling fuel prices and a strong cedi will offset its impact on consumers.
Critics, however, claim the levy revives the unpopular E‑Levy in another form and accuse the government of sidelining public promises not to introduce new taxes.
Rev. Fordjour said:
“NDC has disingenuously SCAMMED Ghana with D‑Levy!”
With the levy now law, its long-term effects remain unclear. But for many motorists, private vehicle owners, and transport operators, the new fuel tax represents yet another financial squeeze.
GH Educate is following keenly and update readers here..
