Govt to scrap COVID-19 Levy in next budget – Ablakwa

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the COVID-19 levy will be scrapped in the government’s upcoming budget, fulfilling the final step in its promise to remove four controversial taxes introduced by the previous administration.

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd of Ghanaian residents in Benin, the Minister declared, “Only one more tax remains for the government to scrap in order to fulfill its promise of removing four taxes imposed by the previous administration.”

The audience responded with loud cheers and applause as he listed the taxes already removed—namely, the betting tax, the E-Levy, and the emissions tax—highlighting the government’s swift action following President John Mahama’s assent to the repeal bills on April 2, 2025.

Mr. Ablakwa also took the opportunity to brief the diaspora community on developments back home, urging them to remain confident in the administration’s direction.

“The government is investing in the youth by setting aside funds to cater for their needs,” he added, underscoring President Mahama’s commitment to both economic relief and long-term development.