Sammy Awuku dismisses Mahama’s fuel cuts as populist PR
The Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Samuel Awuku, has dismissed President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to scrap fuel allowances and halt fuel allocations to all political appointees as a populist gesture lacking real impact.
The directive, which forms part of the government’s broader cost-cutting strategy under the Reset Agenda, is aimed at redirecting public funds into priority sectors and critical development initiatives.
However, Awuku insisted that the move is superficial and does not reflect a genuine commitment to fiscal discipline. He has called on the government to back the directive with concrete actions, beginning with the closure of the fuel depots at the Jubilee House and the Osu Castle.
“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.
He further questioned the actual financial impact of the move, calling on the government to disclose how much was being spent annually on fuel allowances to assess the supposed savings.
“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.
However, the Member of Parliament for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem, Samuel Atta-Mills, lauded the initiative, stating that it would ultimately serve the best interest of the state and contribute to prudent public spending.
