The Minority in Parliament has accused Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson of repeatedly using Certificates of Urgency to push through tax increases without adequate parliamentary scrutiny.
The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, said the latest increase in the fuel oil levy followed a pattern of introducing tax-related amendments on the final sitting day of Parliament under urgent procedures.
Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, August 1, he questioned both the timing and the process of the amendment, arguing that Parliament should be given sufficient time to scrutinise measures that directly 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 follow Parliament’s approval of amendments to the Energy Sector Levies framework, which increased the fuel oil levy from GH¢0.24 per litre to GH¢1.93 per litre.
The government has defended the increase, saying it is intended to curb revenue losses from fuel smuggling and subsidy abuse while generating funds to meet energy sector obligations.
However, Adomako-Mensah alleged that the government was relying on its parliamentary majority to pass such measures with limited debate.
“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 fuel oil levy increase, saying it contradicts the government’s promise to ease 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 maintains that while revenue mobilisation is necessary, tax measures that could increase fuel costs and the cost of living should be subjected to broader parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation before approval.