Abena Osei Asare is the MP for Atiwa East
The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare, has said the newly introduced Energy Sector Levy erodes the gains from the recent appreciation of the local currency.
According to her, instead of imposing additional financial pressures on Ghanaians, the government should allow Ghanaians to reap the rewards of a stronger currency.
In her view, the timing of the levy is particularly unfavourable, coming at a time when the cedi has gained value against major trading currencies.
“Why should you refuse or prevent Ghanaians from enjoying a windfall that they ought to enjoy just because you feel there has been a reduction or appreciation in the cedi against its major trading currencies? I should take it off? We told them that managing the economy is not just about talking and shouting,” she said on JoyFM.
Osei-Asare believes that this move contradicts the principle of easing the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians, which should be a priority for any government.
The government has introduced a GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy on petroleum products to raise revenue for the procurement of liquid fuel for power generation.
President John Mahama has, however, noted that the levy is painful but necessary and justifiable to avert any impending power crisis.
DR/SSD