Fuel prices continue to weigh heavily on the pockets of many, sparking a renewed debate on how to bring costs down. Alhaji Ibrahim Bashiru, the former Deputy CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, believes the solution starts with a specific tax. He’s calling on the government to prioritize the removal of the D-Levy to provide genuine relief at the pump.
For many consumers, the complexity of petroleum pricing can feel opaque, but certain levies stand out as major contributors to the final cost. Bashiru argues that the D-Levy remains one of the most significant cost components affecting current fuel prices. He suggests that while other tax reductions have been discussed, this particular levy remains a primary burden.
During an appearance on TV3’s New Day, Bashiru was blunt about the necessity of this move. “As for the D-Levy, there is nothing like consultation. This is a tax many people believe was unnecessary,” he stated. He further argued that the government should have been more decisive, saying, “In my view, what government should have done was to say clearly that the D-Levy has been suspended. That one is not negotiable.”
Even with the removal of the levy, Bashiru warns that the relief might be modest rather than transformative. He illustrated this with a simple calculation, noting that if diesel costs Ghc17 and the levy is removed, the price drops to Ghc16. He pointed out that “That is still high,” suggesting that while it’s a necessary start, it may not solve the entire crisis.
This call for removal isn’t just about economics; it’s about political consistency. Bashiru referenced previous stances taken against certain taxes to urge the government to remain steady in its approach to consumer burdens. By addressing these levies now, he believes the state can show a real commitment to easing the financial pressure on citizens.
