Ghana's "Midnight Robbery": New Energy Levy Sparks Political Firestorm

Ghanaian Parliament: New Energy Levy Sparks Outrage. A new Energy Sector Levy in Ghana has ignited controversy, with opposition MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah calling it a "midnight robbery." Nkrumah's criticism centers on the lack of public consultation and the levy's broad impact on the populace. He contrasted this with the E-Levy's process, which included extensive debate and exemptions for low-income earners. "This Dumsor Levy was smuggled in at night to avoid public scrutiny," Nkrumah stated (paraphrased from the video). The levy's 8% rate on all transactions, unlike the E-Levy's 1% rate with a threshold, is causing hardship. The all-encompassing nature of the levy affects transportation and the cost of goods, impacting the poor disproportionately. This situation underscores the need for transparent legislative processes and consideration for vulnerable populations.