Johnson Asiedu Nketiah is the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has hinted that the suspended GH¢1 fuel levy could be reintroduced after a ceasefire in the Middle East between Israel and Iran.

Speaking in an interview with Joy News on Wednesday, June 25, Asiedu Nketiah explained that the initial suspension of the levy was not due to public outcry, but rather a precautionary measure in response to rising global oil prices driven by tensions in the Gulf region.

“With the recent ceasefire dropping oil prices back to pre-levy levels, I’m sure the levy will return,” he said, defending the move as critical to resolving long-standing debt in the energy sector inherited from the previous administration.

The fuel levy, which was expected to take effect on June 16, 2025, faced intense criticism from transport unions, civil society organisations, and consumers who warned that it would worsen the financial burden on Ghanaians.

However, the NDC chairman insisted the public backlash was not the main reason for the suspension.

“The decision was based on market conditions,” he noted.

Aseidu Nketiah also argued that even with the GH¢1 increment, fuel prices would remain significantly below levels seen under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

“If export prices dropped from GH¢17.5 cedis to GH¢10 or GH¢11, adding a GH¢1 levy brings it to GH¢12 — still lower than the GH¢17.5 we inherited,” he stated.

The government is yet to announce a new date for the levy’s implementation.

AS/VPO

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