President John Dramani Mahama announced an end to automatic tax waivers for imported medical equipment, effective May 13, 2026. Future requests for tax relief on medical equipment will undergo individual assessment. This decision aims to improve government revenue management.
This policy shift comes after Ghana recorded significant financial losses from tax exemptions. The Ministry of Finance reported a GHS 4.6 billion loss from tax expenditures in 2023 alone. The World Bank also estimated the total cost of tax exemptions at 3.9% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This new measure seeks to recover some of these lost revenues and apply national resources more efficiently.
This change aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to enhance domestic resource mobilization. The Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083), already mandates prior written approval from the Finance Minister for tax exemptions. President Mahama’s announcement reinforces the government's commitment to strict adherence to this legal framework. The country has been working to reduce reliance on external financing and strengthen its fiscal position.
President Mahama made this announcement during the commissioning of a positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET CT) scan facility. This event took place at the Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre in Accra. He stated, “In Twi, we say when someone climbs a good tree, you push them.” He added, “Regarding tax exemptions, blanket exemptions are no longer granted. It is on a case-by-case basis.” He assured that applications for exemptions would still be considered favourably if necessary.
This policy will impact healthcare providers and importers of medical equipment. They will need to adjust their procurement processes to factor in potential tax duties or the application process for exemptions. Observers will watch how this affects the cost of healthcare services and access to advanced medical technologies. The government hopes this measure will not deter investment in the health sector. Instead, it aims to create a more equitable and transparent system.
The President also highlighted efforts to expand specialized healthcare infrastructure nationwide. This includes new catheterization laboratories for major teaching hospitals. Regional hospitals are planned for newly created regions, alongside new cardiology centres. These initiatives aim to reduce Ghanaians' reliance on overseas medical travel. They also position Ghana as a regional hub for specialized medical diagnosis within West Africa. This focus on local capacity building could potentially offset some effects of the new tax policy. The government hopes these expansions will also attract medical tourism from neighbouring countries.
Mahama further disclosed that the new PET CT facility would operate under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares. This fund will support eligible cancer patients with diagnosis and treatment costs. This move acknowledges the high expense of cancer care. It aims to prevent families from falling into poverty due to medical bills. It demonstrates a continued commitment to healthcare access despite the new tax exemption policy.