Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, has reminded the John Mahama government that its decision to increase the fuel oil levy contradicts its promise to provide tax relief and ease the financial burden on Ghanaians.
According to Collins Adomako-Mensah, Parliament’s approval of amendments to the Energy Sector Levies framework increased the fuel oil levy from GH¢0.24 per litre to GH¢1.93 per litre, a departure from the government’s assurances to reduce the tax burden on citizens.
Adomako-Mensah raised concerns about the manner in which the amendment was brought before Parliament.
He alleged that the Finance Minister has repeatedly relied on Certificates of Urgency and the final sitting days of Parliament to introduce tax-related measures.
Adomako-Mensah further accused the government of relying on its majority numbers in Parliament to push through measures without sufficient engagement and scrutiny.
Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, August 1, Adomako-Mensah stated, “We are against it, and I believe that the Ghanaian people did not vote for this particular government for them to come and increase taxes. They were promised relief; what we are seeing is the opposite”.
“Since last year, anytime he’s bringing an amendment to increase taxes, he brings it on the last day that we are rising, and he comes to Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency,” he stated.
“Not surprisingly, this time around, again, on the last day of rising, he comes back to Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency to push this through because they have the numbers,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Mahama government has justified the adjustment, explaining that it is aimed at addressing revenue losses associated with fuel smuggling and subsidy abuse.
In other news, Sammi Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has said Ghana’s biggest mistake was giving the NDC a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
The Akuapem North MP argued that the NDC super-majority has weakened checks and balances under the Mahama administration.
According to Sammi Awuku, he would not wish such dominance for the NPP either.
Sammi Awuku argued that such dominance emboldens governments to act without accountability.
He cited instances where bills were presented in Parliament seeking approval for loans without clear details on repayment terms.
Speaking to the media in Parliament and shared online on July 30, 2026, Sammi Awuku stated, “The biggest mistake that, for me, we made in 2024 was giving the NDC a super majority. Any party that wins the general elections, I would prefer that at least the Ghanaian people give them a good majority to rule, but not an overwhelming majority where there’s so much culture of impunity”.
“Sometimes they bring bills asking for approval of loans. They won’t even tell you the repayment period because they have a super majority,” he lamented.
According to Sammi Awuku, he would not wish a similar level of legislative control for his own party, arguing that concentrated power in Parliament is undesirable regardless of which party holds it.
He warned that overwhelming parliamentary supremacy risks eroding Ghana’s constitutional safeguards.
“Don’t give that party a two‑thirds majority that they can even temper with the spirit and letter of the constitution as well,” Sammi Awuku warned.
@ghnow_ Day 2: Kristo Asafo celebrates successful burial of Apostle Safo Kantanka #GHNow #FYP ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ What was Adwoa Safo saying here 🤔 at the funeral of Safo Kantanka #GHNow #FYP ♬ original sound – KSS.
