The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to uphold the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, accusing his administration of betraying public trust.
In a scathing statement released on Sunday, the CDM condemned the President for backtracking on his pledge to abolish the levy, a key promise made during the 2024 election campaign. The group argued that Mahama’s reversal on this commitment undermines the public’s confidence in his leadership and questions the integrity of his administration.
During the election period, Mahama had repeatedly referred to the levy as “needless” and assured Ghanaians that it would be removed to alleviate the financial strain on citizens grappling with inflation and economic hardship. This promise resonated with many, particularly in light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians.
However, the government’s decision to maintain the levy, now attributed to IMF conditionalities, has led to widespread disappointment among the public. The CDM argued that this move compromises the principles of leadership and governance, warning that prioritizing expediency over consistency and integrity sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
The group pointed to the 1992 Constitution, specifically Article 36(1), which mandates the state to guarantee decent living standards for all citizens. In their view, the continuation of the COVID-19 levy violates both national and international obligations, and the government must take immediate action to address this issue.
In its statement, the CDM called on the President to issue a formal apology to the public, lay out a clear plan to abolish the levy, and reaffirm the government’s commitment to ethical governance. The group stressed that continuing to collect the levy while citing IMF conditions is not only contradictory but also undermines the moral authority of the administration.
“To keep collecting this levy under the guise of IMF requirements is both insulting and damaging to the public trust,” the CDM stated, urging the Mahama administration to act decisively in restoring confidence through moral leadership and accountability.
