Claim: An X user has alleged that John Dramani Mahama, the 2024 Presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to scrap all taxes in Ghana if elected in Dec. 2024.
Verdict: False. JUSTFACT GHANA investigations have revealed that the ex-Ghanaian leader, John Mahama, did not make the comment the X user has alleged. Addressing party supporters at the launch of the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto, Mr Mahama said he would scrap only five “draconian taxes” within his first 100 days in office to “alleviate hardships” on Ghanaians and businesses.
Background:
Ghana’s largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), launched its 2024 manifesto, promising to reset the country and create sustainable jobs.
“Your vote on December 7 will end tyranny, cronyism, corruption, and hardship. It will also pave the way for the vision, experience, and trustworthiness I, John Dramani Mahama, will restore to the Flagstaff House,” the 2024 NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, said.
A few hours after the launch, an X user (formerly Twitter) shared a flyer purportedly claiming the NDC has promised to scrap all taxes in the country if its presidential candidate emerges victorious at the polls.
“Elimination of all taxes,” the flyer posted on Aug. 24, 2024, said.
Investigation:
JUSTFACT GHANA investigations have revealed that the ex-Ghanaian leader, John Mahama, did not make the comment the X user has alleged.
Addressing party supporters at the launch of the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto, Mr Mahama said he would scrap only five “draconian taxes” within his first 100 days in office to “alleviate hardships” on Ghanaians and businesses.
On page 22 of the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto, the ex-Ghanaian leader said he would scrap the “following draconian taxes within our first 100 days in office to alleviate hardships and ease the high cost of doing business.”
Mr Mahama has promised to scrap the E-levy, COVID levy, 10% betting tax, emission levy, and import duty on vehicles and equipment imported into the country for industrial and agricultural purposes.
JUSTFACT GHANA’s research showed no data supporting the claim that Mr Mahama has promised to scrap all taxes currently being implemented in the country if elected President on Dec. 7, 2024.
Conclusion:
It is not true that John Mahama, the 2024 presidential candidate of Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), said he would abolish all taxes in the country if elected to form the next government.
