John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reaffirmed that he will do away with the E-levy should he be elected president in the general elections in 2024.

Additionally, he promised to remove various taxes that are now burdensome for both people and corporations.

Mahama promised that the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) would not harass companies or subject them to unending tax audits.

The government’s 2022 introduction of the E-levy was aimed at improving domestic income mobilization. First imposed at 1.75 percent, the tax was heavily criticized and then lowered to 1.5 percent, and eventually to 1 percent.

The former president also pledged to reduce excessive government spending when he spoke on Monday, May 27, at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra.

Mahama emphasized that lessening the tax code and cutting back on government spending will improve business conditions and lessen personal financial strain.

“We will do this by pruning the huge government expenditures, preventing waste and corruption, and boosting revenues by expanding the tax net. We will simplify the VAT and streamline its collection. We will abolish the e-levy and some taxes that have become a burden on businesses and households. We will not burden you with endless tax audits and harass you with EOCO.”

The NDC flagbearer reaffirmed his commitment to stabilizing the economy and bringing the currency back.

Within a year of taking office, Mahama declared his aim to begin an immediate economic recovery and fiscal restructuring.

“The number one priority will be stabilising the economy and restoring a stable currency by launching an urgent economic recovery and fiscal consolidation plan following a national economic dialogue to be held within one hundred days of assumption of office.”