A coalition of policy and energy think tanks has called on the government to reduce petroleum prices by GHC1.65, asserting that such a measure would offer immediate relief to consumers grappling with increasing living expenses.
The proposal, collaboratively issued by IMANI Africa, COPEC Ghana, INSTEPR, and IES, follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who instructed the Ministries of Energy and Finance to examine the petroleum price structure and suggest potential reductions in taxes, margins, and levies.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the organizations stated that the suggested reduction should stem from a thorough adjustment of the pricing framework rather than temporary measures.
“We advocate for a total reduction of GHC1.65 from the existing petroleum price structure,” the coalition remarked.
“This should be implemented for a duration of TWO months instead of the FOUR weeks suggested by the government.”
The organizations argue that the extended timeframe would provide households and businesses with more consistent relief during what they characterize as “challenging and uncertain times,” while also allowing for a subsequent review based on global market conditions.
They further assert that this intervention would not place a significant burden on Ghana’s fiscal situation, highlighting anticipated revenue increases from the nation’s crude oil exports during this timeframe.
The proposal arises amidst ongoing public anxiety regarding fuel prices, which have consistently been a major factor in transport and food inflation.
The coalition emphasized that any short-term relief should be accompanied by comprehensive reforms to the petroleum pricing system to avert recurring price shocks, although their immediate priority remains to provide relief to consumers.
