Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has launched a scathing attack on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) over its recent introduction of a GH¢1 per litre fuel levy, widely dubbed the “Dumsor Levy.”

He described the move as a clear betrayal of public trust and a breach of the NDC’s own campaign promises to provide economic relief to Ghanaians.

Speaking at the Thank You Tour in Central Region, Dr. Bawumia criticized the government for what he called a “steep and regressive tax” that disproportionately affects ordinary citizens.

He explained that the new levy is significantly more burdensome than the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) introduced during the NPP administration, which the NDC had vehemently opposed while in opposition.

“Today, under this so-called people-centred government, every GH¢1,000 spent on fuel attracts GH¢83 in taxes. Under the E-Levy, it was just GH¢10. This new ‘Dumsor Levy’ is eight times worse,” Bawumia stated.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has defended the levy as a necessary measure to address the country’s persistent energy challenges, specifically the lingering power outages that have plagued households and businesses in recent months.

The NDC Officials argue that the funds will be used to stabilize the energy sector and improve infrastructure, but critics see the move as a return to the burdensome taxation that characterized earlier economic downturns.

Dr. Bawumia, who served as head of the Economic Management Team during the Akufo-Addo administration, accused the NDC of hypocrisy and inconsistency, noting that the party campaigned in 2024 on a promise to abolish nuisance taxes and reduce the cost of living.

“This government rode on the backs of Ghanaians’ frustrations with taxes. They demonized the E-Levy, yet less than a year into power, they have imposed something far worse,” he said. “It raises the legitimate fear of what next they may tax.”

This latest development adds fuel to an already heated political climate, as Ghana continues to wrestle with economic pressures, including inflation, rising public debt, and a widening fiscal deficit.

The “Dumsor Levy” has sparked considerable public backlash on social media and in civil society circles, with many questioning the transparency and efficiency of the proposed use of the funds.