Mahama Promises to Scrap Draconian Taxes Within First 100 Days in Office

John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced a bold promise to eliminate several controversial taxes within the first 100 days of his administration if elected in the upcoming 2024 general elections. This declaration was made during the launch of the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto in Winneba, Central Region, on Saturday, August 24.

The taxes earmarked for elimination include the widely criticized e-levy, the COVID levy, the 10% levy on bet winnings, and the emissions levy. Mahama emphasized that this move would significantly alleviate the hardships currently faced by Ghanaians and reduce the high cost of doing business in the country.

In his speech, Mahama pledged, “We will scrap the following draconian taxes within our first 100 days in office to alleviate hardships and ease the high cost of doing business: E-levy, COVID levy, 10% levy on bet winnings, Emissions levy.”

In addition to these tax cuts, the NDC flagbearer committed to removing import duties on vehicles and equipment imported into the country for industrial and agricultural purposes. “We will scrap import duty on vehicles and equipment imported into the country for industrial and agricultural purposes,” he asserted.

To further alleviate consumer hardships, Mahama promised to apply the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy on fuel to help stabilize prices. He also committed to rationalizing fees at ports to reduce the financial burden on importers and ordinary Ghanaians.

Mahama also outlined a plan to undertake comprehensive reforms of Ghana’s VAT regime to provide relief for households and businesses. This will involve reversing the VAT flat rate regime, decoupling GETFund and NHIL from VAT, and adjusting the VAT registration threshold to exempt micro and small businesses from paying VAT.

Mahama's proposals reflect his intention to create a more favorable economic environment in Ghana, focusing on reducing the cost of living and making it easier for businesses to thrive. The promises made during the manifesto launch are expected to be central to his campaign as he seeks to return to the presidency in 2024.