The 2024 NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Adentan Constituency, Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, has issued a stinging critique of government’s recent implementation of the GH¢1 per litre levy, accusing it of exploiting public trust to push through burdensome taxes.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Monday, June 9, 2025, Kozie strongly condemned the framing of the new levy, which was approved under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill arguing that the portrayal of the tax as a simple “1 cedi increase” is not only misleading but also deliberately crafted to downplay its actual financial impact on Ghanaians.
“If we sit here and make this 1 cedi tax per litre look like it’s just 1 cedi, when ultimately it’s almost 4.5 cedis per gallon of fuel, then we are taking Ghanaians for granted,” Kozie asserted.
“This deliberate attempt to shove 1 cedi narrative on people to make it look like it’s a one-time payment, or let’s say you’re paying 1 cedi a month, it’s a very deliberate brainwashing, gaslighting that you guys are doing—and the earlier you stop, the better,” she added.
Her remarks come amid mounting public anger and threats of mass protests by the Minority in Parliament, who estimate the new levy could drain GH¢475 million from consumers every month, amounting to GH¢5.7 billion annually.
Kozie’s criticism, adds to the growing concern that government’s reliance on indirect taxes and levies is stretching household budgets to a breaking point. She warned against using the party’s remaining goodwill to push unpopular policies that may deepen disillusionment among voters.
The Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL), which will come into effect on June 16, aims to support the power sector’s debt restructuring efforts. But critics argue it punishes already burdened citizens without adequate measures to reform inefficiencies at institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) had also protested the levy’s rushed rollout, calling it “unlawful” and “coercive.”
