Cancelling fuel allowances is mere Populist Settings – Sammi Awuku
The Akuapim North MP poopoos Mahama’s " No Fuel Allowances " directive in a presser at Parliament
Edem Latsu Nukafu 
The lawmaker for Akuapim North, Samuel Awuku, has denounced President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to stop fuel allowances and fuel allocations to all political appointees as a populist gimmick lacking truthfulness.
The order, which forms part of the government’s broader cost-cutting measure under the Reset Agenda, is seeking to redirect public funds into priority sectors and essential development policies.
However, Awuku insisted that the decison is superficial and does not reflect a genuine commitment to fiscal discipline. He has urged the government to back the order with concrete actions, commencing 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 proceeded and quizzed the actual financial implications of the directive, appealing to the government to reveal how much was being spent yearly 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, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem legislator, Samuel Atta-Mills, praised the directive, mentioning that it would ideally serve the best interest of the state and enhance prudent public spending.
