Veteran Ghanaian satirist and broadcaster, KSM
Veteran Ghanaian satirist and broadcaster Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM) has called on Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to provide regular updates on how tax revenues, particularly from levies like the GH¢1 per litre fuel charge, are being utilized.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, KSM emphasised that Ghanaians are not inherently opposed to paying taxes but are concerned about the lack of transparency in how these funds are spent.
He stated that every three months, the government should publicly disclose the amount collected from specific levies and detail how the funds have been allocated.
“No Ghanaian I know is afraid to pay taxes. They are only hesitant because they don’t know what politicians do with the money. Tell them, ‘this is how much we are getting from the levy, this is how much we have spent and where we have spent the money.’ Let it not be on paper; let it be transparent,” KSM stated.
His comments come after Ghana’s Parliament has approved a new GH¢1 per litre fuel tax under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced urgently by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
The tax aims to address energy sector debts (currently $3.1 billion as of March 2025) and ensure stable power supply.
The levy is expected to generate GH¢5.7 billion annually to pay arrears, reduce legacy debt, and fund fuel for power generation.
However, the tax has faced criticism from various pressure groups who have argued that the levy would place undue economic pressure on Ghanaians.
These groups have warned that even a small increase in fuel prices could have a ripple effect on the economy, particularly affecting transportation costs.
ID/EB
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