The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of perpetrating a grand deception on the Ghanaian populace to secure political power. Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer campaign, leveled these accusations following Parliament’s approval of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a move vehemently opposed by the Minority NDC caucus, who staged a walkout during the vote. This bill, commonly referred to as the “dumsor levy,” introduces a GHS1 charge on each litre of fuel purchased, a measure the government justifies as necessary to address inherited debts and challenges within the energy sector. However, Aboagye contends that these very challenges are a direct consequence of the NDC’s previous administration, not a legacy inherited from the NPP. He accuses the NDC of betraying the trust of Ghanaians who voted for them based on promises of economic relief, only to introduce new levies shortly after assuming office.
Aboagye’s central argument revolves around the concept of betrayed trust. He posits that the NDC presented themselves as saviors of the Ghanaian economy, promising to alleviate the financial burdens on citizens. However, their subsequent actions, specifically the introduction of the “dumsor levy,” directly contradict their pre-election promises. This, according to Aboagye, constitutes a betrayal of the public’s trust, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the very people who entrusted them with the responsibility of governance. He emphasizes the gravity of this betrayal, highlighting the NDC’s claims of reducing the burden on Ghanaians, only to impose a new levy that directly impacts the cost of living. This apparent contradiction underscores the NPP’s accusation of deception and reinforces their narrative of the NDC as a party prioritizing political expediency over the welfare of its citizens.
The NPP spokesperson further characterizes the NDC administration under former President Mahama as a “scam government,” accusing them of employing superficial solutions designed to project an image of competence. He argues that the NDC’s initial actions, such as purported tax reductions, were merely cosmetic measures intended to create a false impression of economic progress. These actions, according to Aboagye, were a deliberate facade, masking the NDC’s true intentions and ultimately setting the stage for the introduction of the “dumsor levy.” He suggests that the NDC, fully aware of the impending levy, implemented these superficial measures to create a deceptive narrative of economic relief, thereby softening the blow of the subsequent levy and manipulating public perception.
Aboagye’s accusations highlight the deep political divisions within Ghana and the ongoing battle for public trust between the two major parties. The NPP’s strategy appears to be centered on portraying the NDC as untrustworthy and deceptive, emphasizing the alleged discrepancy between their pre-election promises and their actions in office. This narrative seeks to capitalize on public discontent over the rising cost of living and position the NPP as the true champions of the people’s economic well-being. By framing the “dumsor levy” as a direct consequence of the NDC’s mismanagement and deceptive practices, the NPP aims to solidify its support base and discredit the NDC’s attempts to regain power.
The NDC, on the other hand, justifies the levy as a necessary measure to address the energy sector’s financial challenges, arguing that these challenges are a legacy of past administrations and require decisive action. They maintain that the levy is essential for securing the long-term stability of the energy sector and ensuring reliable power supply for the nation. This contrasting perspective sets the stage for a contentious political debate, with each party vying to control the narrative surrounding the levy and its implications for the Ghanaian economy. The ultimate outcome of this political battle will depend on how the public perceives the competing narratives and which party they believe offers a more credible and sustainable path forward.
The “dumsor levy” has become a focal point of political contention in Ghana, symbolizing the broader struggle between the NPP and NDC for political dominance. The NPP’s accusations of deception and betrayal aim to undermine the NDC’s credibility and position them as unfit to govern. The NDC, in turn, defends the levy as a necessary measure for addressing inherited challenges and ensuring the country’s energy security. This ongoing political battle underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance and the critical role of public trust in maintaining a stable and prosperous democracy. The clashing narratives surrounding the “dumsor levy” will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
