Dumsor Levy: Prophet Kofi Oduro Reacts to GH¢1 Fuel Levy Increase

• Popular Ghanaian pastor, Prophet Dr Kofi Oduro, has reacted to the government's decision to increase the Fuel Levy by GH₵1
• In a video, he directed some questions to President John Dramani Mahama and shared his experience with paying levies
• Netizens who saw the video expressed mixed reactions in the comments section of the post on social media

Senior Pastor of The Alabaster International Ministry, Prophet Dr Kofi Oduro, shared his thoughts on the government's decision to raise the tax on petroleum products—popularly known as the "Dumsor Levy"—by GH¢1.

The pastor, who is known to speak his mind, asked if the staff of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) who possibly caused the mess, making Ghanaians pay for the levy, will be dismissed.

In a video on X, Prophet Kofi Oduro said he shared his opinion on e-levy when it was introduced during the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.

“Your Excellency, if we pay for that levy, will ECG bosses still be at post? Since they are causing financial loss to the state, I’m asking if they would still be at their posts. The people who are causing us the mess, will they still remain in their position? I want to know.”

The pastor shared how he paid GH¢30,000 as e-levy one morning. He added that since Ghanaians would be the ones paying the taxes or levies introduced, it is imperative to ask what the money is used for and what happens to the people who caused financial loss to the state.

Watch the video below:

Reactions to Prophet Oduro on Dumsor Levy

YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the video shared by @aristotledada on X. Some supported the Prophet’s assertion while others disagreed with him. Read the comments below:

@sktettey said:

“Chale, this is the best pastor in Ghana 🇬🇭 .”

@pain_kilhar9 wrote:

“On behalf of the ministry…” Meaning the money is church money. So why is he boasting about it as if it were his own money??? “

@Caessar_7 said:

“Imagine an NPP supporter complaining about a 1 cedi tax on a litre of fuel, forgetting that we were once buying fuel 20ghc per litre...The NPP has nothing to complain. Whatever Mahama does, they did it times 100.”

@sethfrimsk wrote:

“@JDMahama I have tagged you...His first statement is very important...will they still be at post @JDMahama?”

@OnGod419 said:

“This man always dey talk sense.”

@felixdbrown16 wrote:

“NDC is giving me heart problems. Politics is not for the weak.”

@SDebarrister said:

“Is he a pastor or a political commentator? I ask myself this question every day. You go bath say you dey go church listen Daniel inh story. You go reach then the pastor Dey talk about Addo D and JM like every Sunday.”

@KDOdame wrote:

“Truth will always stand tall. Those sabotaging the government must go.”

What are the economic challenges and benefits of the new levy

As Ghana implements a new government tax or levy, the country must grapple with economic hurdles and possibilities that threaten to jeopardise its economy. If the government manages to harness the levy properly, it could see many positive opportunities, including increased domestic revenue generation and subsequently reduce reliance on external loans. This domestic revenue generation is key for Ghana to be able to fund infrastructure, public services and anything that is in the general interest of decision-making.

However, there are also economic challenges. New taxes are usually passed on to the price of goods and services to the ultimate consumer, most severely affecting the low- and middle-income households. Many businesses could see increased operating costs reducing profitability, growth, employment, or all of these. In the informal sector, where most of Ghana's economy is located, there might be accountability challenges causing friction from compliance between the state and small business owners.

Public perception also plays a role. If citizens view the levy as inequitable or that it is misused, they could feel diminished tax morale and civil resistance. The key to having a levy work positively is transparency, equitable implementation, and visible investment of revenues in national development priorities. When citizens can see things happening, their willingness to support such actions increases significantly.

Prophet Kofi Oduro Blasts NPP

YEN.com.gh reported that Prophet Kofi Oduro has criticised NPP members who protested at the EOCO headquarters over Chairman Wontumi's arrest.

The Ghanaian pastor called on the NPP members to allow the rule of law to work.

Social media users who watched the video thronged the comments section to share different opinions on his comment

Source: YEN.com.gh