Mahama orders Finance and Energy ministries to suspend some fuel levies and taxes, effective April 16

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Makay
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Cabinet meeting

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the Finance and Energy ministries to take urgent measures to cushion Ghanaians from the impact of rising fuel prices, linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

On Thursday, April 9, following an emergency Cabinet meeting after President John Mahama’s return from an official trip to France, the decision was made.

In a post shared on X, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu wrote, “OUTCOMES of EMERGENCY Cabinet Session on fuel price.

1. Ministers of Finance and Energy directed by the Cabinet to ensure a reduction in fuel price in the next pricing window through the SUSPENSION of some taxes and margins( said taxes and margins to be announced at the next pricing window).

This is to last for four weeks and is subject to review based on the evolving situation in the Middle East conflict and movements in crude oil prices.

2. Minister for Transport directed to ensure expedited deployment of recently acquired 100 Metro Mass Transit Buses in addition to existing ones on high-traffic corridors and ensure maintenance of LOWER TRANSPORT FARES on those buses than what private operators charge.

3. ALL MINISTERS and SENIOR GOVERNMENT APPOINTEES to adhere STRICTLY to the President’s directive on cancellation of fuel allocations and allowance”.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the news stated, “God bless you, my president @JDMahama, the NPP bunch of sankwas wanted Ghana to fail badly, but Insha Allah God gave us you, Ghana will never fail. I love you each day”.

“Fuel price settings.

So it means we go back to old prices after 4 weeks from the purported government cushioning of the new pricing window, when prices of oil stability are doubtful per Middle East reflections?”, a netizen added.

One X user added, “In the midst of rising tensions and crises in the Middle East, which have pushed many countries to complain about fuel prices,

John Mahama and the NDC say they plan to remove some levies and taxes on fuel to help reduce or stabilise prices.

Naa bro, Mahama is that guy Ghana needs at this moment”.

The move comes following an earlier promise by John Dramani Mahama that the government is prepared to shield Ghanaians from rising fuel costs.

Mahama disclosed that his government will roll out targeted measures to protect consumers if rising global oil prices begin to significantly impact domestic fuel costs.

Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations, the President stated, “Things were sailing quite smoothly, and indeed, we’re beginning to enjoy some of the lowest fuel prices in a long time. The push factor in the oil price build-up is coming from the price of crude oil and finished products”.

“If this continues, then we will have to take some firm decisions”.

Mahama explained, “Some of the options available to us include adjusting margins to ease the burden on consumers and also reviewing the development levy to provide relief”.

“Fuel drives the transport sector, and transport is a major contributor to inflation. When fuel prices rise, the cost of moving goods, especially food, also increases, affecting the overall cost of living,” he said.

Mahama further disclosed that Ghana is considering a fuel supply deal with Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery.

He added, “My hope is that sooner rather than later, this war will end and Ghanaians will see more stable petroleum prices. For now, the government remains concerned because fuel prices affect the transport sector which then drives up inflation”.

“Even though prices have increased, we have the opportunity to compare prices on the international market. If it means entering into an agreement with Dangote Refinery to bring finished products from Nigeria to Ghana, I think we should be able to do that,” he said.

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