Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has hit back at former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over his recent criticism of the newly introduced “Dumsor Levy,” accusing the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of imposing more than 30 different taxes during its eight years in power.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 7, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed Dr. Bawumia’s remarks as politically motivated and hypocritical.

“I’ve heard Bawumia waxing lyrical about this new tax. But if the NPP government had introduced only the E-Levy, Ghanaians wouldn’t have reacted so strongly. The truth is they imposed over 30 different taxes during their time in office,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia, while on his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Central Region, had accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of betrayal. He criticised the administration for scrapping the controversial E-Levy, only to introduce what he described as a “Dumsor Levy” — a reference to the new GH¢1 per litre charge on petroleum products.

He argued that the move contradicted the NDC’s 2024 campaign promises and warned that more taxes could follow.

The levy, introduced under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is expected to generate revenue to help reduce Ghana’s US$3.1 billion energy sector debt and secure US$1.2 billion worth of fuel for thermal power generation.

Despite its stated objectives, the Minority has sharply criticised the bill, branding it a “predatory tax” rushed through Parliament without sufficient consultation or transparency.

Credit: Ernest K. Arhinful