The Minority in Parliament has accused Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson of using Certificates of Urgency to pass tax increases without giving Parliament enough time to properly examine them.
The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, said the recent increase in the fuel oil levy is part of a pattern.
According to him, tax-related changes are often introduced on the last sitting day of Parliament and pushed through under urgent procedures.
Speaking during an interview on Saturday, August 1, he questioned why the amendment was introduced at the last minute. He said Parliament should have enough time to carefully review decisions that could affect the cost of living.
“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 said.
His comments come after Parliament approved changes to the Energy Sector Levies framework, increasing the fuel oil levy from GH¢0.24 per litre to GH¢1.93 per litre.
The government has defended the increase, saying it will help reduce revenue losses caused by fuel smuggling and subsidy abuse. It also says the extra money will be used to support the country’s energy sector.
However, Adomako-Mensah claimed the government is using its majority in Parliament to pass such measures without enough discussion.
“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.
The lawmaker also criticised the increase in the fuel oil levy, saying it goes against the government’s promise to reduce the tax burden on Ghanaians.
“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,” he said.
The Minority says it understands the need for the government to raise revenue. However, it believes tax measures that could increase fuel prices and the cost of living should be given more time for parliamentary review and public consultation before they are approved.
