YADD Urges Government to Leverage Cedi Appreciation and Fuel Price Reductions for Development Financing
The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD) Ghana has called on the government to take strategic advantage of the recent appreciation of the Ghana Cedi and the corresponding reduction in fuel prices to introduce targeted development-focused levies. The alliance believes that this presents a rare opportunity for the government to mobilize sustainable domestic revenue without imposing undue hardship on citizens.
In a statement issued on January 22, 2026, YADD Ghana proposed the introduction and strengthening of purpose-driven levies, including a Research and Innovation Fund Levy, an Agricultural Mechanization and Modernization Fund, and an increased Road Fund levy. The alliance emphasized that these levies must be modest and well-timed, taking advantage of reduced fuel prices, and ring-fenced and transparently managed, with clear reporting on utilization.
“The current macroeconomic improvement presents a rare opportunity for government to mobilize sustainable domestic revenue without imposing undue hardship on citizens,” said Mumkik James K. Martey-Nitse, Executive Director of YADD Ghana. “We believe that when citizens see clear links between levies paid and tangible development outcomes such as better roads, modernized agriculture, and innovation-driven growth, public trust in fiscal policy will improve.”
The proposed levies are aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps and supporting critical national funds. The Research and Innovation Fund Levy will support applied research, technology development, and evidence-based policymaking, particularly in agriculture, industry, and climate resilience. The Agricultural Mechanization and Modernization Fund will accelerate access to farm machinery, reduce post-harvest losses, improve productivity, and make agriculture more attractive to the youth.
The increased Road Fund levy is aimed at significantly increasing investment in road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance to reduce Ghana’s growing road infrastructure deficit. Poor road infrastructure continues to undermine economic growth, increase transportation costs, and compromise safety across the country.
YADD Ghana emphasized that any additional levies must be subject to parliamentary oversight and citizen accountability mechanisms. The alliance urged the government to engage civil society organizations, youth groups, and industry stakeholders in consultations to ensure broad consensus and shared ownership of these policy measures.
The alliance remains committed to promoting responsible governance, fiscal accountability, and youth-centered development policies that advance Ghana’s democratic and economic progress.
