Pressure is mounting on the government to reduce petroleum prices by GH₵ 1.65, as a coalition of policy and energy think tanks intensifies calls for urgent consumer relief.
The group, comprising IMANI Africa, COPEC Ghana, INSTEPR and Institute for Energy Security, argues that the proposed reduction would help ease the burden of rising living costs on households and businesses.
The call follows a directive from John Dramani Mahama, who has tasked the Ministries of Energy and Finance to review the petroleum price build-up and recommend possible reductions in taxes, margins and levies.
In a joint statement issued on April 14, 2026, the coalition urged authorities to adopt a comprehensive adjustment to the pricing structure, rather than rely on temporary or piecemeal measures.
“We propose a cumulative reduction of GHS1.65 from the current petroleum price build-up,” the groups said, adding that the intervention should be maintained for two months, instead of the four-week period under consideration by government.
According to the coalition, extending the duration of the price cut would provide more predictable and sustained relief during what it described as “difficult and uncertain times,” while allowing for a review based on evolving global market conditions.
The groups further contend that the proposed reduction would not significantly strain Ghana’s fiscal position, pointing to expected revenue inflows from crude oil exports as a potential offset.
The renewed push comes amid persistent public concern over fuel prices, which remain a key driver of transport costs and food inflation across the country.
While focusing on immediate relief, the coalition also called for broader reforms to Ghana’s petroleum pricing framework to reduce vulnerability to recurring price shocks and improve long-term stability in the sector.
