The Minority in Parliament has welcomed the government’s decision to remove selected taxes and levies on petroleum products, but is demanding full disclosure on the utilisation of proceeds from the GH¢1 fuel levy.
The intervention, introduced by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, comes in response to rising global oil and gas prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.
The measure is expected to run for an initial four-week period, after which it will be reviewed based on prevailing market conditions.
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Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, described the move as timely but noted that critical details remain unclear.
“It is welcoming news, although we have not been given specific details as to which levies or taxes or margins will be taken off or suspended. The Minority welcomes the attempt by the government to cushion the Ghanaian people,” he said.
Despite supporting the policy direction, the Minority raised concerns over transparency in the management of the GH¢1 fuel levy, introduced to support the energy sector.
Mr. Adomako Mensah stressed that the law mandates the government to account for the funds collected and their utilisation, adding that this requirement has not yet been fulfilled.
“The law stipulated that the government was to report to Parliament by the 31st of March as to how much had accrued to the fund from the GH¢1 and how it had been used,” he said.
According to him, the report is still outstanding.
“Up till now, that has not been presented to Parliament. We are not too sure how much has come and how it has been used,” he added.
The Minority’s position underscores growing calls for transparency and accountability in the management of energy sector funds, even as the government rolls out measures aimed at easing the burden of rising fuel prices on consumers.
Myjoyonline