The Minority in Parliament has intensified calls for the immediate removal of the GH₵1 fuel levy, warning that the policy is exacerbating the financial strain on Ghanaians already battling rising living costs.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, described the continued imposition of the levy as unjustifiable and punitive.

“The justification for this levy no longer exists. Keeping it is not policy—it is punishment,” he stated, urging government to urgently repeal the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Act, 2025 under a certificate of urgency.

The renewed pressure from the Minority comes against the backdrop of escalating global tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, as well as disruptions to oil supply routes following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—developments that have triggered a sharp increase in fuel prices.

Energy analysts warn that crude oil prices could surge to between $110 and $120 per barrel if the conflict persists. This could drive petrol prices in Ghana to as high as GH₵15 to GH₵17 per litre.

As of the second pricing window in March 2026, diesel was retailing at GH₵15.60 per litre, while petrol prices had already crossed GH₵12.40 per litre.

Mr. Mensah noted that the GH₵1 levy was originally introduced to support liquid fuel procurement and address longstanding debts within the energy sector. However, he argued that the government has already met these obligations.

According to him, between January and December 2025, approximately $1.47 billion was spent to stabilise the sector, including the full repayment of the GH₵597 million World Bank partial risk guarantee and the settlement of outstanding gas supply invoices.

“With the debt addressed and guarantees restored, the so-called One Ghana Cedi Levy serves no purpose and should be repealed immediately,” he stressed.

He further revealed that the Minority will push for a broader review of taxes and levies embedded in fuel pricing, with the aim of identifying opportunities to ease the burden on consumers.

The caucus had earlier staged a walkout in protest against the levy, citing weak fiscal justification and poor timing. They now maintain that urgent government intervention is needed to shield households from worsening economic hardship driven by global oil market volatility.

Awal Mohammed, a member of the New Patriotic Party, has challenged the government’s portrayal of Ghana’s economic strength, questioning whether recent global events have exposed underlying vulnerabilities.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, Mohammed described it as contradictory for an economy deemed stable to be heavily affected by events occurring thousands of kilometres away. “An economy they say is doing so well has been hit hard by just two weeks of bombing 6,200 kilometres away,” he remarked.

He further alleged that gold reserves amassed under former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia have been largely depleted by the current administration, claiming the country now holds around 18 tonnes of gold, with some reserves reportedly converted into dollar holdings. This comes as the government continues to emphasize a 5.7-month import cover.

Mohammed argued that the administration is benefiting from reserves built by its predecessors, especially at a time when gold prices are performing strongly on the global market. “They are enjoying because someone left something behind, and today gold is doing well so they are benefiting from it,” he said.

He also pointed to perceived inconsistencies in political messaging. During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, he noted, the current government—then in opposition—minimized the potential impact of distant global conflicts on Ghana. Yet now, it attributes domestic economic challenges to tensions in the Middle East, including Israel–Iran developments.

“This shift raises questions about how economic difficulties are being communicated to the public,” Mohammed concluded.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has formally withdrawn allegations of fraud he levelled against the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, regarding the ongoing security services recruitment exercise.

The retraction and apology were delivered on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, 4 March, following a directive by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who had referred the Minority Leader to the Privileges Committee over claims deemed potentially contemptuous.

The referral was prompted by a complaint from the Interior Minister, who described the allegations as unfounded and harmful to his reputation.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier alleged that the involvement of a third-party IT firm in the recruitment process amounted to a scam and imposed an unfair financial burden on applicants.

Addressing the House, the Minority Leader clarified his position and withdrew the claims.

“Mr Speaker, I will not do that to hurt him or tarnish his reputation, and if the text of my concern reflected so, it is hereby accordingly withdrawn. I assure you that concerns that will arise out of any matter shall be properly brought to his attention,” he stated.

In response, Mr Muntaka said the accusations had been distressing, particularly given their seriousness.

“It is painful to be wrongly accused and be labelled differently from the intention that you have, especially when it is connected with heavy wrongdoing. I am heavily hurt and heavily worried, but who am I to say that I will not accept when my colleague comes to apologise? I accept it wholeheartedly,” he said.

The Interior Minister further appealed to the Speaker to have the matter expunged from the official parliamentary record, expressing the hope that it would be treated as though it had not occurred.

The development brings a temporary close to the dispute, as both sides signal a willingness to move forward.