The African Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis (ACH-PRA) has recommended that the government consider abolishing the 1% COVID-19 tax now that the restrictions at entry points have been lifted.
According to the Center, it is not reasonable for the public to continue paying the tax when COVID-19 is no longer considered a pandemic.
This comes in response to public demands for the removal of the tax following the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions at entry points across the country, effective May 20, 2023.
Dr Thomas Anaba, the Executive Director of the African Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis, emphasized the need for the government to eliminate the COVID-19 tax.
“I think it is a step in the right direction that we are no longer under COVID-19, and all the problems have ended. We have received loans and funds for COVID-19, almost twice the amount we were targeting to help address the pandemic. So, we don't see this tax as necessary, even though we didn't support it. We believe it's really time for the government to remove the COVID-19 tax along with all the other taxes they are imposing,” expressed Dr Anaba.
Dr Thomas Anaba also called on the government to provide transparency by disclosing the amount generated since the introduction of the tax.
“Our calls haven't yielded results, and I don't know how much more we need to raise our voices for them to understand that they need to be accountable for all the money spent on COVID-19 and all the money collected in the name of COVID-19.”
“I fear they won't do it, but we will continue to demand that they show some respect to Ghanaians by providing an account of the money collected as COVID-19 taxes, including all the funds collected in the name of COVID-19,” demanded the Executive Director of the African Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis.
Ghana Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions at Entry Points
Ghana has lifted COVID-19 restrictions at all entry points of the country, effective Saturday, May 20, 2023.
The Ghana Health Service made this announcement in a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye.
The decision was based on the World Health Organization's declaration on May 5, 2023, that COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
According to the Ghana Health Service, pre-departure testing and testing at all points of entry are no longer required for all passengers.
New Taxes to Cover COVID-19 Expenses
The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, had previously stated in 2021 that the new taxes were introduced to address the significant fiscal gap resulting from the government's COVID-19 expenses.
He explained that the government had borrowed about GH¢19 billion to provide free water, free electricity, and other expenses to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and those funds must be repaid.
“That GH¢19 billion has to be paid for at some point. The liabilities we have incurred have to be paid for. COVID-19 expenses are going to be with us at least for the medium term… It does [include free water and electricity], which is part of the COVID-related expenses,” he stated.
