The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has blamed the country’s rising petroleum prices on the Ministry of Energy and Finance Minister, Ken Ofori- Atta’s, inaction.
According to the Chamber, the Finance Minister, who should have taken action to rein in rising fuel prices, remained adamant even as international oil prices fell.
“We started talking about the rising price of fuel sometime in March this year. We had indicated the need to relax some of the taxes in the sector in order that we do not push the cost of living beyond the reach of the average Ghanaian. Sadly, nothing has been done.
“I also blame a section of the media, again the Energy Ministry also tries to rationalize and make the justification on why prices are going up,” the Executive Secretary for COPEC – Ghana, Duncan Amoah wrote.
The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi last month demanded President Akufo-Addo immediately reduces fuel prices. This demand was made known to the media at a press conference held at the NDC Party Headquarters on Monday October 18, 2021.
The press briefing focused on, “the high and unbearable cost of living that Ghanaians are experiencing under the watch [of] President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, which has largely been occasioned by steep increases in the prices of the Petroleum products over the last four and half years,” Sammy Gyamfi said.
Additionally, he explained that 18the government has increased fuel prices by nine consecutive times in 2021 alone; as a result, the prices of diesel and petrol for a gallon has increased from, “about ¢21 as of January this year, to about ¢31 currently.”
