The government has officially abolished the COVID-19 levy, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced during the presentation of the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy in Parliament on Thursday.
Making the announcement as part of broader tax reforms, Dr. Ato Forson said the decision forms part of government’s commitment to ease the tax burden on Ghanaians and support economic recovery.
He noted that the levy, introduced in 2021 as a temporary measure to help the country manage pandemic-related expenditures, had outlived its purpose.
“The COVID-19 levy has been abolished,” the Finance Minister declared, receiving applause from sections of the House. “This is part of our efforts to reset the economy, reduce the cost of living, and enhance business competitiveness.”
The removal of the levy is expected to reduce the prices of goods and services affected by the tax component, particularly in the telecommunications and financial services sectors where the levy was applied.
The 2026 Budget, themed “Resetting for Growth, Jobs and Economic Transformation,” outlines additional tax adjustments aimed at simplifying the tax system, improving compliance, and boosting private sector growth.
Parliament is expected to debate the fiscal policy in the coming days.
