Mahama Faces Backlash for Retaining “Needless” COVID-19 Tax

The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has strongly critiqued President John Dramani Mahama and his administration, for betraying public trust by failing to abolish the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the CDM expressed disappointment over what it described as a “U-turn” by President Mahama, who in the 2024 elections campaigned with a clear promise to remove the levy if elected.

According to the group, Mahama had repeatedly described the tax as “needless” and committed to eliminate it to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaians.

The CDM highlighted that this promise was a cornerstone of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign and was supported by the citizens facing inflation and worsening economic conditions. However, the administration’s decision to retain the levy; now attributed to conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been met with widespread disappointment.

Citing Article 36(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which obliges the state to ensure the right to decent living standards, the CDM contended that the continued collection of the levy violates both national obligations and international expectations.

The group called on the Mahama administration to take immediate steps to address the issue, including presenting a detailed roadmap for abolishing the levy.

They also demanded a formal apology from the President and urged Parliament to reaffirm a commitment to ethical governance.

“To continue collecting this levy while citing IMF conditions is not only contradictory but demeaning,” the CDM said, insisting that the government must take steps to “restore public trust through moral leadership.”