Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has warned that importers hoping for relief from the special import levy will be left disappointed, as the government seeks to extend the levy’s duration from 2025 to 2028.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, March 26, Afenyo-Markin criticised the move, arguing that it disregards the concerns of businesses and ordinary Ghanaians. He accused the government of maintaining a pattern of taking more from citizens while offering little in return.

“We are also aware that there is this special import levy extension from 2025 to 2028. So this attitude of attempting to give one, take more—this ‘ndaadaa’ attitude—we can read in between the lines,” he stated.

“This government is not really a government that cares about the ordinary Ghanaians because importers who are expecting an end to this special import levy will be disappointed. The private sector can only thrive if the government is giving them a breather,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.

The Minority Leader stressed that importers had been expecting the levy to expire and urged the Finance Minister to reconsider the extension, emphasizing the need for policies that support the private sector.