The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned the government for what it describes as an “unprecedented” surge in new taxes and increased tariffs—just seven months into its administration—arguing that these measures are worsening the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Dr. Gideon Boako, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, outlined a series of new tax policies and price hikes that contradict the government’s earlier claims of scrapping so-called nuisance taxes.
“This government, after boasting of abolishing taxes that didn’t even exist, has now introduced nearly ten new tax handles within seven months. This is unprecedented in our history,” Dr. Boako said.
He cited specific measures, including:
- The Growth and Sustainability Levy increased from 1% to 3%, and its expiration extended from 2025 to 2028.
- A new 1% Special Import Levy.
- A 21.9% VAT on life insurance premiums (excluding motor vehicle policies).
Dr. Boako also pointed to price hikes affecting everyday essentials:
- Diesel prices up 5%, petrol by 2%.
- Locally produced plastic goods up 7%.
- Water tariffs increased by 4%.
- Electricity tariffs raised by 14.75% in April and an additional 2.45% in July.
Citing data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Dr. Boako noted that electricity inflation had surged by over 130% year-on-year, adding:
“You don’t need a prophet to see that the average Ghanaian is now worse off.”
He concluded by calling on the government to review its fiscal decisions, cautioning that these tax measures are driving up structural costs and hurting livelihoods across the country.
