Ghana Government Slammed for Fuel Price Increases Despite Earlier Promises
Former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammi Awuku, has criticized the government for increasing fuel prices despite earlier promises to use the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy to cushion consumers. The latest fuel price increases have placed additional pressure on Ghanaians, who continue to bear the impact of rising petroleum costs.
According to Mr. Awuku, the National Petroleum Authority's (NPA) August 2026 price floors for petrol and diesel had increased significantly, with petrol selling at GH¢14.53 per litre, representing a 9.4% rise, while diesel increased to GH¢16.97 per litre, an 18.3% jump.
Mr. Awuku noted that several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have already adjusted their prices, with some selling diesel above GH¢18 per litre. He questioned the effectiveness of the current pricing mechanism, citing periods when global crude oil prices declined but pump prices remained high due to the NPA's price floor system.
The former NLA boss recalled that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) promised to utilize the levy to cushion consumers during periods of fuel price shocks, stabilise the cedi, and reduce the cost of living. However, he said the government increased the levy by GH¢1 per litre in July 2025, a charge consumers continue to pay despite ongoing increases in fuel prices.