President John Dramani Mahama has directed key ministers to take urgent steps to cushion Ghanaians from the impact of rising fuel prices, following global supply disruptions triggered by escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The directive was issued at an emergency Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 9, shortly after the President returned from an official visit to France.
The recent surge in fuel prices has been largely attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, which has significantly disrupted supply chains and pushed up international petroleum prices.
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As part of immediate interventions, President Mahama tasked the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, to engage stakeholders in the energy sector to explore the possible removal of selected taxes and levies on petroleum products. The proposed relief measures are expected to take effect in the next pricing window.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicated that the intervention will run for an initial period of four weeks, after which it will be reviewed based on prevailing market conditions.
In a move aimed at easing pressure on commuters, the Minister for Transport has also been directed to fast-track the deployment of about 100 Metro Mass Transit buses across the country. The government further intends to reduce fares on these buses to provide affordable transportation alternatives for the public.
President Mahama also reiterated his directive for ministers and senior government appointees to strictly comply with the ban on fuel allowances, as part of broader efforts to cut public expenditure during the period.
The measures form part of a coordinated government response to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on households and businesses, as authorities race to stabilize the situation amid ongoing global uncertainties.