Economist and finance expert, Professor Godfred Bokpin of the University of Ghana, has supported Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent criticism of the newly introduced Dumsor Levy by the NDC government as per reports from Myjoyonline on Friday, June 7, 2025.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme, Prof. Bokpin acknowledged that Bawumia’s concerns reflect real economic challenges linked to the policy.

The Dumsor Levy, part of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed under urgent circumstances and imposes a GH¢1 surcharge per litre on petroleum products.

The government aims to generate revenue to tackle the US$3.1 billion debt burden in the energy sector and stabilize power supply across the country.

During his recent address in Cape Coast, Dr. Bawumia accused the NDC of political inconsistency, highlighting that the party had previously opposed the E-levy only to introduce this new tax.

He warned Ghanaians to prepare for additional financial burdens, describing the move as yet another form of taxing the public.

Prof. Bokpin remarked, “Looking at it, he has a point for saying what he has said,” showing the legitimacy of Bawumia’s economic concerns regarding the levy’s impact.

On the other hand, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson defended the measure, emphasizing the critical need for funds to clear accumulated debts and finance thermal power generation in 2025.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary Minority has labeled the levy as a “predatory tax,” warning it could extract about GH¢5.7 billion annually from consumers and businesses alike, and criticized the hasty passage of the legislation without sufficient transparency.