Minority Slams Ato Forson Over ‘Urgent’ Tax Hikes

The Minority in Parliament has accused Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson of repeatedly using Certificates of Urgency to fast-track tax-related legislation, arguing that the practice undermines parliamentary scrutiny and public accountability. The criticism comes in the wake of Parliament’s approval of amendments to the Energy Sector Levies framework, which raised the fuel oil levy from GH¢0.24 per litre to GH¢1.93 per litre.

Speaking on the development Saturday August 1, on Citi News, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, alleged that the Finance Minister has consistently introduced tax increase measures on the final sitting day before Parliament adjourns, leaving little room for detailed debate or stakeholder engagement. According to him, the latest amendment follows what he described as an established pattern of presenting tax-related bills under Certificates of Urgency at the last minute.

“Since last year, anytime he is bringing an amendment to increase taxes, he brings it on the last day that we are rising, and he comes to Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency,” Adomako-Mensah said. He further argued that the government was relying on its parliamentary majority to secure approval for such measures without allowing sufficient time for lawmakers to thoroughly examine their implications. “Not surprisingly, this time around, again, on the last day of rising, he comes back to Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency to push this through because they have the numbers,” he stated.

The Minority also expressed strong opposition to the substantial increase in the fuel oil levy, contending that it contradicts the government’s campaign promises to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve living conditions. “We are against it, and I believe that the Ghanaian people did not vote for this particular government for them to come and increase taxes. They were promised relief; what we are seeing is the opposite,” Adomako-Mensah added.

The government, however, has defended the levy adjustment, maintaining that the increase is intended to reduce revenue losses associated with fuel smuggling and subsidy abuse while generating additional resources to address longstanding financial obligations in the energy sector. Officials argue that strengthening revenue collection within the petroleum sector is necessary to improve the financial sustainability of the country’s energy industry and support ongoing reforms.

Despite those assurances, the Minority insists that any tax measure with the potential to increase fuel prices and raise the overall cost of living should undergo extensive parliamentary scrutiny and broader public consultation before being approved. The opposition lawmakers say while they recognise the importance of mobilising domestic revenue, fiscal policies that directly affect households and businesses must be subjected to transparent legislative processes to ensure accountability and public confidence.

Source: Citi News
Author: Joyce Owusu