TEMA, Ghana, 11 April: The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has described the government’s decision to suspend selected taxes on fuel as premature, warning that it reflects a defensive approach to governance.
According to him, the move appears aimed at appeasing public sentiment rather than addressing long-term economic stability. He stressed that policymaking should be guided by careful planning, not short-term pressure.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu show on Saturday, April 11, Abraham Koomson cautioned the government against taking cues from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), arguing that such influence could lead to policy missteps. He added that the same opposition, in his view, has failed to acknowledge the government’s efforts so far.
The government recently announced a four-week suspension of selected fuel-related taxes and margins, beginning in the next pricing window, to mitigate rising fuel costs and ease the burden on consumers. The decision follows global price pressures linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and is expected to be reviewed after the initial period.
Abraham Koomson said he was surprised by the announcement, insisting that the government may have acted hastily in response to pressure from the NPP. “It gives the impression that the government is constantly on the defensive, and that is becoming excessive, they should attack” he noted.
He further argued that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) should remain firm in its policies and avoid being swayed by political opponents. Instead, he urged the government to focus on accountability efforts, including issues arising from the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.
Abraham Koomson maintained that individuals implicated in such matters should be dealt with through the legal system to ensure they do not undermine governance.
He also questioned the rationale behind suspending the GH¢1 fuel levy, pointing out that the current administration had already rolled back several taxes introduced under the previous NPP government.
He concluded that while easing the burden on citizens is important, decisions must be balanced against their potential impact on state revenue and long-term economic management.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭