The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers-Ghana (COPEC) has given a strong thumbs-up to the government’s bold move to scrap fuel allowances for all presidential appointees, calling it a long-overdue step towards sanity and fiscal discipline.

In a statement signed by Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah on 15 July 2025, COPEC revealed the shocking extent of fuel perks enjoyed by public officials — averaging 833 litres (185 gallons) per month per appointee, with some consuming even more. Beyond the free fuel, officials also enjoy brand new, state-serviced vehicles, further burdening the taxpayer.

While acknowledging the need to support office holders to minimise corruption risks, COPEC insisted the excesses must stop. “We believe the excesses of office ought to be curtailed, and for that reason, we view this new directive as completely laudable and commendable,” the Chamber stated.

But COPEC is not stopping there. The group is demanding a comprehensive review of all emoluments and gratuities for public office holders to match Ghana’s economic realities. Furthermore, it is pushing for the establishment of a special account to hold the funds previously allocated to fuel, to be used for impactful public projects — a move COPEC says would serve as a testament to responsible governance.

COPEC also urged the government to fast-track the adoption of electric or solar-powered vehicles for official use, echoing a proposal by the Minister of Energy and Green Transitions. Moving away from high-consuming luxury SUVs like Land Cruisers, COPEC argues, would permanently eliminate the temptation to reintroduce fuel allowances.

Finally, in a pointed reminder, COPEC called for an audit of the petroleum price build-up, noting that some taxes embedded in current fuel pricing have outlived their purpose. With a new GHC1 per litre levy set to take effect on 16 July 2025, the Chamber stressed the need to ease the burden on consumers.