Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has directed key ministers to take immediate action to shield Ghanaians from the impact of rising fuel prices, following global supply disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The emergency Cabinet meeting, held on Thursday, April 9, came shortly after the President returned from an official visit to France. Rising fuel costs have been largely attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international oil shipping route, which has disrupted supply and driven up global petroleum prices.
In response, President Mahama tasked the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Minister for Energy, John Jinapor, to engage stakeholders in the energy sector and explore the removal of certain taxes and levies on petroleum products. These measures are expected to take effect from the next pricing window and will initially remain in place for four weeks, subject to review based on prevailing conditions.
In a complementary move to ease transportation costs, the Cabinet instructed the Minister for Transport to fast-track the deployment of 100 newly acquired buses for the Metro Mass Bus Company. These buses will operate along high-traffic corridors and are mandated to charge lower fares than private operators, providing more affordable transport options for commuters.
Additionally, President Mahama reminded ministers and senior government appointees to strictly adhere to the existing ban on fuel allowances, emphasizing the importance of fiscal discipline during this period.
These measures are part of a coordinated government effort to mitigate the effects of rising fuel costs on households and businesses across the country.
