Senior Advisor and Director of Election Planning for the Movement for Change, Nana Ohene-Ntow, has announced that Alan Kyerematen will abolish the controversial COVID-19 tax, along with other nuisance taxes and charges, when elected President of Ghana. Speaking during the Movement for Change's Caravan Tour in Kwabenya, Greater Accra Region, Nana Ohene-Ntow described these taxes as unjust burdens on Ghanaians and a major hindrance to business growth in the country.
"It is highly unthinkable that years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghanaians are still being made to pay this COVID-19 tax. It was meant to be a temporary measure during a crisis, but it has now become a permanent fixture that is suffocating businesses and individuals alike," Ohene-Ntow stated during the tour stop.
In addition to the COVID-19 tax, Nana Ohene-Ntow revealed that Alan Kyerematen plans to abolish other nuisance taxes, particularly at the port, to create a conducive and profitable business environment. “These excessive taxes and port charges are crippling businesses. Alan Kyerematen will not only remove them but ensure that our business environment encourages growth and innovation,” he emphasized.
The COVID-19 tax, introduced in 2021 to support healthcare infrastructure and the vaccination campaign, was initially seen as a necessary measure. However, Ohene-Ntow argued that its continued imposition is now unjustified. "The pandemic is behind us, and Ghanaians should not continue to pay for a crisis that no longer exists. Alan Kyerematen's government will prioritize the needs of ordinary Ghanaians by abolishing this unnecessary tax," he said.
Nana Ohene-Ntow also outlined broader economic reforms under Alan Kyerematen’s leadership, including efforts to reduce inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates to single digits. “Our plan is not just about abolishing taxes. Alan Kyerematen will implement policies to reduce interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates, bringing them to single digits. This will allow local businesses to thrive, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians,” he added.
He further criticized the government for failing to discontinue the COVID-19 tax despite the clear indications that it was no longer serving its intended purpose. "This tax is another example of how out of touch the government is with the realities faced by Ghanaians. The Movement for Change believes in smart governance that listens to the people, and Alan Kyerematen is committed to putting an end to this unfair taxation."
Nana Ohene-Ntow, in conclusion, urged voters to consider the economic relief that Alan Kyerematen’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP) offers, which includes comprehensive tax reforms and support for businesses. "Our goal is to make the Ghanaian economy more competitive by removing barriers and promoting growth. With Alan Kyerematen, Ghanaians can look forward to a prosperous future where businesses can flourish without being weighed down by excessive taxes, interest rates and inflation," he stressed, as the caravan tour continued to gain momentum across the region.