The Minority in Parliament has accused the Majority of bypassing standard parliamentary procedures in the introduction of the controversial Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA) also called the Dumsor Levy (D-Levy).

The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, argued that the Minority was not consulted ahead of the presentation of the bill.

Speaking at a press briefing to respond to controversies surrounding the proposed levy on June 9, 2025, Annoh-Dompreh stated that the D-Levy was not captured in the Business Statement presented to Parliament for the week, a document that typically outlines the legislative agenda.

He acknowledged that while the Business Statement often includes a generic clause that permits the Speaker to admit additional bills or statements, parliamentary practice dictates that leadership on both sides should be informed in advance, particularly during the daily leadership conclaves held before parliamentary sessions.

“On that day, we had a conclave. I was there. The Majority Leader came in late; the Chief Whip also came in late, and other members of their leadership were present. Nobody mentioned the D-Levy. Then suddenly, we saw the Order Paper Addendum,” he said.

According to Annoh-Dompreh, not only was the addendum which contained the D-Levy introduced without notice, but copies were also printed exclusively for members of the Majority.

“I had reason to confront the Clerk. This is a two-sided House. Why print addendums only for the Majority? If there’s no material motive, then why such a move?” he questioned.

He also criticised the lack of clarity surrounding the implementation date of the levy, noting that initial reports suggested a start date of June 16, but official confirmation remains unclear.

The Minority maintains that the process lacked transparency and disregarded long-standing parliamentary protocols.

They have vowed to continue resist the D-Levy and hold the Majority accountable.

The Minority was not consulted prior to the introduction of the Dumsor Levy.”
— Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, speaking during the Minority’s press address on the D-Levy.

pic.twitter.com/Uu7cBjVUwI

— Osono Ammiel (@OsonoAmmiel) June 9, 2025