Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is set to remove the COVID-19 levy in the 2026 Budget, which he will present to Parliament today, Wednesday, November 13, 2025.
The budget is expected to prioritise job creation, economic growth, and private sector empowerment while introducing no new taxes.
The decision to scrap the COVID-19 levy, introduced during the pandemic to fund emergency response efforts, is expected to bring much-needed relief to businesses and households.
It also signals the government’s intention to ease the tax burden and create a more supportive environment for investment and productivity.
According to sources close to the Finance Ministry, the 2026 Budget will focus on policies that promote private sector-led growth, expand energy generation capacity, and create sustainable employment opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
Job creation will be a central theme, with deliberate efforts to expand recruitment within the security services and other areas as part of a broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment.
The government is also expected to introduce initiatives to support entrepreneurship, improve access to finance, and strengthen the capacity of local industries.
In the energy sector, the budget will outline measures to increase generation capacity and ensure a more stable power supply to drive industrial growth.
Additionally, government plans to re-equip the military and enhance national security infrastructure following the August 6 disaster are expected to be highlighted.
This will be a crucial budget as it comes at a crucial time as Ghana prepares to exit the IMF programme in May 2026.
The 2026 Budget is therefore expected to set the tone for post-IMF economic management—balancing fiscal discipline with growth-focused policies aimed at stimulating jobs and investment.
Analysts believe the removal of the COVID-19 levy and the absence of new taxes mark a decisive shift toward a more inclusive and business-friendly economic strategy, designed to rebuild confidence, attract private investment, and position Ghana on a sustainable path to recovery.
