President John Dramani Mahama has officially assented to a series of legislative bills aimed at abolishing several taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax. This move aligns with the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) commitment to alleviating the financial burden on Ghanaians.
On March 13, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented eight bills to Parliament, targeting the repeal and amendment of various taxes and levies. These bills included 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, among others.
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, imposed a 1% charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. Its implementation faced widespread public resistance due to its perceived impact on disposable incomes. The Betting Tax, which levied a 10% charge on gross winnings from gambling activities, also faced criticism from stakeholders in the gaming industry.
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, then-flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, pledged to abolish these taxes within his first 120 days in office if elected. With his recent approval of the amended tax bills, his administration has fulfilled that campaign promise.
By: William Narh
