General News
Mahama Signs Law to Scrap COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, Relief Starts January 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has signed the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy Repeal Act, 2025, officially taking off the 1 percent charge on goods, services, and imports. The signing took place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The levy, which took effect on March 31, 2021, was introduced to support Ghana’s recovery during the pandemic and was added on top of VAT, NHIL, and GETFund charges. Its removal follows parliamentary approval last month as part of a broader push to scrap what government has described as nuisance taxes and reduce the rising cost of living.
With the President’s assent, the levy will be removed starting January 2026. Government expects this decision to ease pressure on businesses and consumers by lowering the overall cost of goods and services.
The COVID-19 levy, created under Act 1068, has been in place for four years. Its repeal forms part of a series of tax reforms the government believes will stimulate economic activity and strengthen household purchasing power.