Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has cautioned Ghanaians to prepare for a significant increase in taxes if former President John Dramani Mahama returns to power.
His warning follows the recent passage of the controversial Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill by Parliament on June 3, 2025.
The legislation introduces an additional GH₵1 levy on petroleum products, expected to rake in approximately GH₵5.7 billion in revenue.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson explained that the funds are critical for tackling the growing debt in Ghana’s energy sector.
The revenue, he said, will be allocated specifically for the purchase of fuel to ensure stable power generation, as current electricity tariffs do not cover fuel costs.
He also disclosed that an extra $1.2 billion will be needed to secure sufficient fuel for thermal energy production throughout 2025.
Speaking to supporters during a thank-you tour of the Central Region, Dr. Bawumia sounded the alarm, claiming that the tax burden is only just beginning under a potential Mahama-led government.
“They’ve introduced what they’re calling the ‘dumsor levy’ — it’s eight times worse than the E-Levy. For every GH₵1,000 worth of fuel, you’ll pay GH₵83 just in dumsor tax. And this is only the beginning,” he warned.
