ACCRA, Ghana – In a bold move to ease the financial burden on the logistics sector, the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has called for Covid Levy Removal and the scrapping of VAT on transit cargo. He stated that these charges, introduced during the pandemic, now unnecessarily inflate shipping costs and hamper the smooth movement of goods.

During a press conference held earlier today, the Director-General explained that the Covid-19 levy, originally designed as a temporary measure, has outlived its purpose. “Our ports and businesses are still struggling with the weight of these charges. Removing the Covid levy and the VAT on transit cargo will immediately lower operational costs and make Ghana a more competitive transit hub,” he said.

He further highlighted that the cumulative impact of these levies has strained the sector’s ability to recover post-pandemic. Industry stakeholders have echoed his concerns, noting that the continued imposition of these charges discourages investment and complicates trade logistics.

The GPHA Director-General urged government officials to expedite policy reviews and implement measures that would relieve the industry of these additional financial pressures. As the debate intensifies, both private sector leaders and trade associations are expected to join the call for swift reforms aimed at fostering a more favorable business environment.

Government representatives have yet to issue a formal response, but the ongoing discussions signal a potential shift in fiscal policy to support the nation’s vital trade and logistics sector.