Richard Ahiagbah, the National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has asserted that a government led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would have already abolished the COVID-19 levy and the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy). During an appearance on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Morning Show on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, Ahiagbah criticized the current John Dramani Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for not fulfilling critical promises made during the 2024 election campaign.

Ahiagbah voiced his disappointment with the NDC’s initial 120-day performance, noting the lack of advancement on Mahama’s 25 key pledges. These pledges included addressing illegal mining (galamsey), establishing a 24-hour economy, and eliminating specific taxes. He stated, "We want to see changes based on the things he promised. When it comes to galamsey, we are not seeing anything; the 24-hour economy, we are not seeing anything. When it comes to the E-Levy, an NPP government led by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia would have definitely gotten rid of it."

Ahiagbah further emphasized that the COVID-19 levy, which President Mahama has linked to Ghana’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), would have been removed under Bawumia’s leadership. "One of the benefits Ghanaians would have had if Bawumia and the NPP won power is that by now the COVID-19 levy would have been scrapped a long time ago — in addition to the E-Levy and others," he added. The NPP’s communications director has consistently argued that Bawumia’s leadership would have prioritized providing economic relief to Ghanaians, including reducing taxes.

President Mahama, in his address on May 7, 2025, regarding his administration’s 120-day social contract, explained that the COVID-19 levy could not be immediately eliminated due to its connection with the IMF program. However, he indicated that discussions regarding its review were ongoing.