Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare, has fired back at the government over the recently introduced Energy Sector Recovery Levy, widely referred to by the public as the “Dumsor Levy.”
In an interview on Joy FM, Osei-Asare expressed deep frustration, accusing the government of shifting its posture from promise to punishment.
According to her, the levy is an unfair move that robs Ghanaians of the benefits they should be enjoying from the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi.
“Why should you refuse or prevent Ghanaians from enjoying a windfall that they rightfully deserve, just because you feel there has been a reduction or appreciation in the cedi against its major trading currencies?” she questioned.
“We told them that managing the economy is not just about talking and shouting.”
The Energy Sector Levy, recently added to fuel prices, has sparked nationwide discontent, with many describing it as regressive and insensitive at a time when consumers are already grappling with high utility and food prices.
Osei-Asare didn’t hold back, calling out what she sees as political dishonesty from the current administration.
“In your campaign, you told the people of Ghana you were coming to relieve them of the taxes that had been burdening them. You came, and all of a sudden, you changed,” she said, referencing earlier promises made by the ruling government to reduce the tax burden on ordinary Ghanaians.
The “Dumsor Levy”—named after the infamous power outages that plagued Ghana in past years—is meant to raise funds to settle energy sector debts.
However, critics argue that it places an unfair financial strain on citizens, especially when the cedi’s appreciation could have led to a reduction in fuel prices.
Osei-Asare’s comments come amidst growing pressure on the government to review or scrap the new levy.
Civil society groups, energy experts, and transport unions have all expressed opposition, warning that it could stifle economic recovery and erode public trust.
“This is not how you build confidence,” Osei-Asare added.
“You can’t promise people relief, and when the economy starts to breathe a little, slap them with another tax in the name of energy recovery. Where is the accountability?”
