President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the continued existence of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy to Ghana’s obligations under its ongoing program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), despite his administration’s broader tax reform drive.
In a national address marking 120 days since returning to office, the President acknowledged public frustration but emphasised that the government is working toward resolving the issue.
“I promised to scrap the E-levy, COVID levy, the 10% levy on bet winnings, and the Emissions Levy within my first 90 days. We have delivered on three of these four specific tax repeals as promised,” President Mahama said.
He explained that the COVID-19 levy remains due to what he described as “intricate linkages” with Ghana’s IMF programme.
As a value-added tax (VAT), it is now part of a broader VAT rationalisation exercise scheduled for September.
President Mahama however reassured Ghanaians that his government remains committed to easing the tax burden.
“We have significantly exceeded our 120-day promises regarding overall tax reform,” he noted.
To underscore the administration’s progress, President Mahama cited several key legislative actions, including the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the Emissions Levy, and the Betting Tax, all signed into law on April 2, 2025.
“These swift legislative actions highlight our commitment to relief and to creating a more favorable economic environment,” he said.
In addition, the President announced the passage of comprehensive economic reform legislation, such as the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, the Income Tax Amendment Bill, the removal of VAT on motor vehicles, the Public Financial Management Bill, and the Growth and Sustainability Levy Act.
SP/MA
