Sammi Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has fired shots at the Mahama government’s decision to scrap fuel allowances and allocations for all political appointees.
According to Sammi Awuku, the decision to scrap the fuel allowances is a PR gimmick and settings.
Sammi Awuku further noted that more clarity is needed concerning the scrapping of the fuel allowances.
Speaking in parliament, Sammi Awuku dared President Mahama to prove his seriousness by shutting down fuel vending points at the Jubilee House and Osu Castle.
The lawmaker stated, “I just see this as populist. It’s a public gimmick and clearly a case of PR and setting. That’s how I see it.”
“If the President really wants to show commitment to cutting down on fuel allowances, I challenge him to shut down the fuel depots at the Castle and Jubilee House. That would mean they are no longer taking fuel for free,” he said.
“Does it include ministers? Does it include CEOs? Does it include presidential staffers? Who exactly are considered political appointees? Are we just talking about ministers and their deputies, or does it cover CEOs as well?” he quizzed.
His comments come on the back of President John Dramani Mahama scrapping fuel allowance to government appointees.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson to the president, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the directive takes immediate effect.
Also, Felix Kwakye Ofosu statement revealed the directive is part of the Mahama-led government’s broader plans to curb expenditure aimed at cutting costs and channelling public funds into priority areas.
Felix Kwakye’s statement read, “President John Dramani Mahama has, effective immediately, directed the cancellation of payment of fuel allowances and allocation of fuel to all political appointees”.
The directive forms part of a broader curb in government expenditure aimed at cutting costs and channelling public funds into priority areas”.
The Mahama government’s latest cost-cutting measure follows the reductions in the size of government through the appointment of fewer Ministers and Presidential Office staff.
Watch the video below:
Fuel Allowance Cancellation: Minority in Parliament slams President Mahama’s directive scrapping fuel allowances and allocations for political appointees, calling it a populist stunt and PR gimmick.
Speaking in parliament, Akuapem North MP Sammy Awuku has dared President Mahama… pic.twitter.com/ywFapJMBSx
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) July 15, 2025