The Minority in Parliament have slammed government for introducing the Dumsor Levy, arguing that it contradicts its pledge to provide financial relief to citizens.
Speaking at a media briefing today at Parliament House, Oppong Nkrumah Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, stated that, government claims to have returned GH¢2 billion to the pockets of Ghanaians, yet the new levy extracts GH¢5.7 billion, creating a net loss for the people.
“If you claim that you are giving Ghanaians GH¢2 billion back, which was deemed evil by the previous administration, how do you then turn around and take GH¢5.7 billion from them?”It is very dishonest.”
The minority caucus insists that alternative measures should be explored to settle the energy sector debt, rather than imposing an additional financial burden on the public.
“We have done the math, and the revenue expected over two years cannot clear the energy sector debt”.
Instead of relying on the levy, Oppong Nkrumah suggests the government should: Conclude renegotiations on power purchase agreements initiated by the previous administration and Implement fuel capacity adjustments to optimize energy costs.