"We Have Been Scammed": NPP, NDC Supporters in Eastern Region React to Introduction of Dumsor Tax
- Ghanaians in the Eastern Region have shared their mixed reactions to the newly increased GH¢1 fuel tax
- Opposition figures, including Tony Osei Agyei, criticised the levy as 'more exploitation' by the ruling NDC
- The NDC’s Richard Nyarko defended the levy, saying it would benefit many and and manage the economy
The Eastern Regional Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Tony Osei Agyei, has criticised the government and describes the development as unfortunate.
He said the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, has succeeded in scamming the people of Ghana, indicating that the one percent levy on electronic transactions is less than the GH¢1 fuel tax imposition.
Source: Facebook
“One percent e-levy and 1.00 on every litre of fuel - which one is reasonable? If you buy a thousand litres of fuel, you will pay more than paying the e-levy. Ghanaians are being scammed, and they will see the difference between the NDC and the NPP soon. Those I have spoken to are not happy,” Tony Osei Agyei said.
Respondind to this, the Eastern Regional Youth Organiser of the NDC, Richard Blibo Nyarko, insisted that the GH¢1 fuel tax was a step in the right direction, as the government would not mismanage the funds, but rather apply them to help the ordinary Ghanaian.
He stated that the imposition has not faced rejection from the Eastern Region since the current development would not affect the prices of goods and services.
“There has not been rejection so far because Ghanaians are happy with the fact that fuel has been reduced due to the proper management of the economy. Drivers can now fill their tanks without having to worry. For the first time in a decade, Ghanaians are giving testimonies about the economy,” Nyarko said.
He added that the government, instead of borrowing externally to solve the energy crisis, opted to raise funds internally, which he considers a better solution.
Eastern Region drivers react to fuel levy
Meanwhile, the general atmosphere is said to be calm in the region, which is known to be a stronghold of the NPP.
At the central business district of Koforidua, the region's capital, very few seem to be talking about the increased tax.
Source: Original
Some trotro drivers who spoke to YEN.com.gh accepted the development but were against its implementation, stating that it was done too swiftly.
“I am in support of the levy since it is meant to solve the energy crisis and assure us of stable power. My worry is its implementation - it was too swift,” said Siaw Lartey.
Likewise, Iddrisu Immurana said:
“I was not in the know, so I argued with a fuel attendant that Tuesday night when I went to purchase fuel. We needed to have been given ample notice to adapt to the new change, but that didn’t happen. I pray the government will use these funds for their intended purpose and not later defend dumsor.”
Yaw, a commercial driver, who first received the news through the interview with YEN.com.gh, expressed his surprise. He had not been aware of the development since its implementation on Tuesday.
He expressed disappointment as drivers had not had time to monitor the system to see how business would go since transport fares were reduced.
“Transport fares have been reduced, but as it stands now, and as far as I know, prices of spare parts have not gone down. I feel we’re being taken advantage of,” Yaw said.
Energy expert Benjamin Boakye cautions Finance Minister
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the Executive Director of ACEP, Benjamin Boakye, warned Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, against repeating the mistakes of his predecessor by relying too heavily on taxes.
He criticised the newly increwasedGH¢1 fuel levy, calling it a poor way to address the sector's inefficiencies, which require decisive leadership. Despite oppositionfrom the NPP, Parliament passed the amended bill.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
