In a decisive response to the mounting economic pressure caused by global petroleum volatility, President John Dramani Mahama has convened an emergency Cabinet session to finalize a multi-sectoral relief package.
The primary directive targets the immediate reduction of fuel prices through the temporary suspension of specific levies and margins. By instructing the Ministers for Finance and Energy to strip away these fiscal layers, the government expects a noticeable drop in pump prices beginning with the upcoming pricing window in seven days. This tax holiday is designed as a short-term intervention, set to last for four weeks, while the administration monitors market stability.
Complementing the price reductions at the pump is a strategic expansion of the nation’s public transport infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport has been ordered to fast-track the integration of 100 new Metro Mass Transit buses into the national fleet. These buses are specifically assigned to the country’s most congested high-traffic corridors to maximize their impact on the working population. To ensure the benefits reach the most vulnerable, these state-run buses are legally required to maintain fare structures below those of private commercial operators, effectively creating a subsidized transport safety net for commuters across the country.
Further reinforcing the administration’s commitment to shared sacrifice, President Mahama has reiterated a strict prohibition on fuel allowances for the executive branch. The ban applies to all Cabinet Ministers and senior government appointees, signaling a shift toward fiscal austerity at the highest levels of power. By removing these perks while simultaneously rolling out public relief, the President aims to ensure that the burden of rising energy costs is not borne by the citizenry alone, but is met with disciplined government spending and proactive market intervention.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
