Akuapim North Member of Parliament, Samuel Awuku, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to scrap fuel allowances and halt fuel allocations for political appointees, dismissing it as a “populist gesture” with little substance.
The policy, announced as part of the government’s Reset Agenda, is intended to reduce public spending and redirect funds toward essential development programmes. But Awuku argues that the directive lacks real fiscal discipline and should be backed by concrete action.
“This government directive is a clear case of PR and settings. If they want to show that they’re serious about cutting fuel allowances, it starts with shutting down the fuel depots at Osu and Jubilee House because that’s where government appointees get their fuel. Don’t play with our minds,” he said.
Awuku also challenged the government to disclose how much is spent annually on fuel allowances, suggesting that without transparency, the public cannot assess the directive’s actual financial impact.
“Let’s be told how much was being spent. Then, at the end of the year, we can measure real savings. Without that, they’re just playing games with us,” he added.
In contrast, Samuel Atta-Mills, Member of Parliament for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem, defended the measure, describing it as a step toward responsible governance.
He said the initiative “would ultimately serve the best interest of the state and contribute to prudent public spending.”
