Member of Parliament for Gushegu and former Deputy Transport Minister, Alhassan Tampuli, has taken a swipe at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over the newly introduced “Dumsor Levy,” likening it to a repackaged version of the controversial Electronic Levy (E-Levy).
Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, June 5, Tampuli criticised the government’s approach to taxation, accusing it of breaking campaign promises.
According to him, the current administration had assured Ghanaians it would scrap what it termed as “nuisance taxes” — including the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy.
However, he argued that the new fuel-based Dumsor Levy far exceeds the combined impact of those taxes, imposing a heavier financial burden on the public.
“This government promised to remove what they described as nuisance taxes, which included E-Levy, Betting Tax — which was never collected — and the Emissions Levy, which all put together does not come anywhere near what they are asking Ghanaians to pay,” Tampuli stated.
He added: “They simply took out E-Levy and brought E-Levy Pro Max.”
“Pro Max” is a term typically used by Apple Inc. to describe the highest-end models in its iPhone lineup.
Tampuli’s use of the term in his remarks suggests the imposition of GH¢1 on every litre of fuel purchased, makes the D-Levy, a much harsher levy than the E-Levy.
Critics have argued that the levy is regressive and will impact transport operators and ordinary Ghanaians most severely, especially given the country’s ongoing economic challenges.