The Deputy Director of Elections for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Jibril, has urged the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to focus on asking relevant questions regarding the recently introduced petroleum levy, rather than spreading misinformation.
Parliament on Tuesday, June 2, approved a GHC 1 petroleum levy as part of efforts to address financial challenges within the energy sector. The decision has drawn criticism from political parties, civil society groups, and citizens, many of whom see the move as an added financial burden.
In an interview, Mahdi Jibril defended the levy, stating that the Mahama-led administration has already reduced fuel prices by GHC 4 compared to levels under the previous NPP government.
He emphasized that President Mahama is committed to easing the financial burden on Ghanaians, but the significant debt within the energy sector cannot be ignored as it affects households across the country.
He explained that the introduction of the petroleum levy is a necessary step to stabilizing the energy sector and not an attempt to overburden the public, contrary to how some opponents are portraying it.
Jibril criticized the NPP for politicizing the issue and failing to seek clarity on the purpose and implementation of the levy.
He suggested that instead of misinforming the public, the NPP should have inquired whether the funds generated would be properly utilized unlike what he described as the mismanagement of funds under former President Akufo-Addo, citing the controversial National Cathedral project.
He also cautioned against comparing the petroleum levy to the E-Levy introduced under the previous government, stressing that both serve different purposes.
Mahdi Jibril called on Ghanaians to support President Mahama, assuring them that the President’s intentions are driven by national interest, not personal gain.
Story By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
