Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko has justified the government’s decision to abolish the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), the betting tax, and several other taxes, emphasizing that the move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promises and will boost financial inclusion.
Speaking on the OXFAM Tax Dialogue on Channel One TV on the topic “The Tax Implication of the 2025 Budget,” Ampem Nyarko stated that eliminating these taxes was not just a policy decision but a fulfilment of Mahama’s commitment to Ghanaians. “We have taken out some taxes in fulfilment of a campaign promise. Mahama promised that he would remove E-Levy, the betting tax, and several others—and he has delivered. We have done this to respect the social contract that President Mahama made with Ghanaians,” he explained.
He further argued that the decision was not merely political but necessary to address broader economic challenges, particularly in the digital and informal sectors. “We did not just promise the removal of taxes—we were convinced they had to go. E-Levy, for example, was something every Ghanaian knew we opposed from the beginning. We still believe it hinders financial inclusion, and there is a report to support that,” he added.
The E-Levy, introduced to generate revenue from electronic transactions, particularly mobile money payments, was widely criticized for discouraging digital transactions and reducing financial accessibility for many Ghanaians. With its removal, the government hopes to stimulate digital transactions, ease financial burdens, and enhance economic participation across various sectors.
By: Kabah Atawoge
