Founder and President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has condemned the government's decision to maintain the COVID-19 levy, despite significant pressure from the business sector to eliminate it.

The government insists that the levy remains essential to mitigate the ongoing financial repercussions of the pandemic.

Prior to the mid-year budget review, business leaders had advocated for the removal of several outdated taxes, including the COVID-19 levy.

However, the government has stood by its choice to retain the levy.

During a Public Accounts Committee meeting on Wednesday, Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, explained that although the immediate threat of COVID-19 has diminished, the economic impacts persist.

Mr. Cudjoe highlighted the heavy tax burden on Ghanaians.

He urged the Akufo-Addo administration to abolish the COVID-19 levy promptly and voiced his frustration over the lack of infrastructure development despite the government's significant tax revenues.