Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has publicly acknowledged that a last-minute fuel price increase three days before the 2024 general elections significantly damaged the party’s electoral prospects.
Speaking during the NPP’s nationwide “Thank You Tour” in Takoradi, Bawumia admitted he was stunned by the decision, which he believes alienated key voter blocs, particularly transport operators.
He said “Three days to the election, we increased petrol prices. When I heard it, I thought they were lying. I asked myself, ei, ‘Do we want to win or lose?’
“This decision angered drivers and contributed to our defeat,” Bawumia stated bluntly.
If you recall, on December 4th, 2024, some Oil Marketing Companies started marginally increasing fuel prices following the commencement of the first pricing window in December.
Three days before the election, Shell had already taken the lead by increasing the prices of both petrol and diesel.
A litre of petrol, which was sold for GH¢14.82 during the second pricing window in November, was retailed at GH¢14.99, reflecting a marginal increase.
Diesel, previously priced at GH¢15.66 per litre, was sold at GH¢15.72 during the first pricing window of December 2024.
By: Kwadwo Owusu
