“No New Taxes Is A Lie” — Minority Accuses Govt Of Hiding GH¢4.8 Billion Tax Hike In Fees, Charges And Levies In 2027 Budget

Story By: Deborah Adorsu

The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of misleading Ghanaians with its loud claim that the 2027 Budget introduces “no new taxes,” arguing that the Budget’s own figures show citizens will pay far more next year through fees, charges and retained levies.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, said the government’s assurance was contradicted by the Budget appendices.

The Numbers The Minority Is Pointing To

According to the Minority’s reading of the Budget:

• Fees and Charges: Projected to jump from GH¢1.3 billion in 2026 to GH¢6.1 billion in 2027 — an increase of about 354%
• Taxes on Goods and Services: Projected to rise by 22.8%
• PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn): Projected to rise by 15.6%

Dr Amin Adam argued that even if government does not formally introduce a new tax category, increases in fees for passports, licences, permits, registrations and other public services impose the same burden on citizens.

The Dumsor Levy Stays

The Minority also slammed government for maintaining the GH¢1-per-litre Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy, popularly known as the Dumsor Levy.

Dr Amin Adam said the levy, which has already generated GH¢11.9 billion, remains in place at a time when Ghanaians are paying heavily for petroleum products.

He said retaining the levy adds to the pressure on motorists, traders, farmers and businesses already battling high transport and food prices.

What Govt Says

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who presented the 2027 Budget Statement on Thursday, November 12, 2026, has maintained that there will be no new taxes in 2027.

He told Parliament government will instead raise revenue by:

• Improving compliance
• Closing revenue leakages
• Modernising tax administration
• Widening the tax net

Total government expenditure for 2027 is projected at GH¢389.2 billion, with GH¢100.4 billion allocated to capital expenditure, equivalent to 5.6% of GDP.

Minority’s Verdict

The Minority said the “no new taxes” message fails to reflect the real burden on Ghanaians.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had earlier described the Budget as a “paper economy” — “stability on paper, hardship in our pockets” — and vowed the Minority will go through the 315-page document page by page during the budget debate.