Parliament has passed a new bill to cancel the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy. The law is called the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025.
The levy started in 2021. It helped raise money to fight COVID-19 and fix the economy after the pandemic.
In the 2025 Budget, the government said it wants to make taxes simpler and cheaper for businesses. This helps growth and private companies. It also improves how Value Added Tax (VAT) works. Canceling the levy is one step in this plan.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament the levy is no longer needed. Its job is done.
He asked lawmakers to approve the bill and remove the old law, Act 1068.
The government says this will save Ghanaians over GH¢3 billion. But people ask how the government will replace this money.
The Minister said other tax changes will cover the loss.
The Minority in Parliament is not fully happy. They say the government removes some taxes but adds new ones secretly. This puts more load on people.
Minority Leader gave examples. He talked about the Energy Sector Levy, once called the ‘Dumsor’ levy—a 1 cedi tax on fuel. He also said electricity prices went up by 18%. So, ending the COVID levy alone is not a big win.
