The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for abolishing the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, effective January 2026. The move is expected to reduce the cost of doing business for importers and exporters.
We warmly commend His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for assenting to the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy Repeal Act, 2025," said Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of IEAG. "This reflects the government's responsiveness to the concerns of the private sector and demonstrates its commitment to restoring a more business-friendly tax environment."
The IEAG also praised the government for revising the Value Added Tax rate from 21.9% to 20% and noted the stability of the Ghana cedi against major international currencies.
The association acknowledged the government's efforts to ease the cost of doing business, including the scrapping of the E-Levy. "We applaud the Mahama-led government and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for fulfilling its promise to scrap both the COVID-19 Levy and the E-Levy, two policy measures that had long served as major constraints on business operations, capital flow, and trade competitiveness," Awingobit added.
However, the IEAG is calling for further reforms to support trade facilitation. "Efficient clearance systems, reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhanced transparency will significantly improve Ghana’s competitiveness within the sub-region," Awingobit said.
Specific reforms urged by the IEAG include:
- Reintegration of the GETFund and NHIS Levies into the VAT composite rate
- Review of the 2% Special Import Levy with a view to abolishing it
- Intensified efforts to improve trade facilitation at ports and land borders
The IEAG remains committed to working with the government to create a more progressive and supportive trade environment for Ghanaian businesses.
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