John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, has expressed his worries about Ghana’s current tax policies, linking the country’s economic difficulties to government actions and International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, July 7th, the NDC flagbearer outlined the impact of increased taxes on businesses and the general populace, promising reforms if re-elected.

According to John Dramani Mahama, one of the key factors that made Ghana an attractive destination for business investment was its low taxes and levies.

However, he argued that the current administration’s mismanagement has led to economic decline, prompting the IMF to advise raising taxes to 17 percent, with a target of 24 percent by 2028.

“That is why they wanted to put VAT on electricity,” Mahama stated. “We are the only country where [a pandemic] has come and gone, and we are still paying the Covid levy. Even China, where the virus originated, is not collecting this levy any more, and all this is due to the IMF’s recommendations.” He said.

Additionally, Mahama criticized the government’s stance on tax reduction, urging immediate action rather than promises for future relief.

“They are in government. If they can reduce taxes, they should. They shouldn’t say we should vote for them before they will reduce taxes,” he emphasized.

Watch the attached video below: