Government defends retention of COVID-19 levy

The government insists the COVID-19 levy remains essential to address the ongoing financial impacts of the pandemic, despite business community calls for its repeal.

Businesses argue the levy, initially to mitigate pandemic effects, is now burdensome and deters investment.

Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Abena Osei-Asare, defended the levy before the Public Accounts Committee, stating that although COVID-19's immediate threat has diminished, its financial repercussions persist.

The levy funds are still needed for pandemic-related expenses, such as vaccine payments. She emphasized that Parliament's approval of the levy means its revenues are crucial for 2024.