President John Dramani Mahama has signed into law a series of legislative bills aimed at scrapping several contentious taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.
The move fulfils a key campaign promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to ease the financial strain on Ghanaians.
The signing follows the presentation of eight tax-related bills to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on March 13, 2025.
The proposed legislation sought to repeal and amend multiple tax policies, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025; Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025; Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The E-Levy, first introduced in 2022, imposed a one per cent charge on electronic transactions such as mobile money transfers and online payments. It was widely unpopular among the public, with critics arguing that it disproportionately affected ordinary citizens and businesses.
Similarly, the Betting Tax, which placed a 10 per cent charge on gross gambling winnings, faced backlash from gaming industry stakeholders who viewed it as punitive.
President Mahama’s decision to abolish these taxes is in line with his 2024 campaign pledge to eliminate them within his first 120 days in office. “This is a commitment we made to the people of Ghana, and today, we have honoured it,” he stated following the bill’s assent.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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