Finally president Mahama Fulfills Campaign Promise: Abolishes E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Other Levies
In a move that is expected to bring relief to Ghanaians, President John Dramani Mahama has 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 development is a fulfillment of the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) campaign promise to alleviate the financial burden on Ghanaians.The journey to the abolition of these taxes began on March 13, 2025, when Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented eight bills to Parliament, targeting the repeal and amendment of various taxes and levies. The 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.
One of the taxes that have been abolished is the E-Levy, which was introduced in 2022. The E-Levy imposed a 1% charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. The implementation of the E-Levy faced widespread public resistance due to its perceived impact on disposable incomes. Many Ghanaians felt that the E-Levy was an additional burden on their already strained finances.
The abolition of the E-Levy is expected to bring relief to individuals and businesses that rely heavily on electronic transactions. With the E-Levy no longer in effect, Ghanaians can expect to save money on their electronic transactions, which can be channeled into other important areas of their lives.
Another tax that has been abolished is the Betting Tax, which levied a 10% charge on gross winnings from gambling activities. The Betting Tax faced criticism from stakeholders in the gaming industry, who argued that it was excessive and would harm the industry's growth.
The abolition of the Betting Tax is expected to boost the gaming industry in Ghana. With the tax no longer in effect, gaming companies can expect to increase their revenue, which can be invested in expanding their operations and creating more jobs.
In addition to the E-Levy and Betting Tax, other levies that have been abolished include the Emissions Tax. The Emissions Tax was introduced as a measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. However, its implementation faced challenges, and its abolition is expected to bring relief to industries that were affected by it.
The abolition of these taxes is a significant development in Ghana's tax policy. It demonstrates the government's commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and promoting economic growth. By reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses, the government is expected to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve living standards.
The move is also expected to boost investor confidence in Ghana. With a more favorable tax environment, investors can expect to increase their returns on investment, which can attract more foreign direct investment into the country.
In the lead-up to 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.
The fulfillment of this campaign promise is a significant achievement for the Mahama administration. It demonstrates the government's commitment to its election promises and its willingness to take bold decisions to promote economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the abolition of the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and other levies is a significant development in Ghana's tax policy. It is expected to bring relief to individuals and businesses, promote economic growth, and boost investor confidence. The fulfillment of this campaign promise by the Mahama administration demonstrates its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and promoting economic development.
As Ghanaians celebrate this development, they must also recognize the importance of responsible taxation. While the abolition of these taxes is a welcome relief, it is also important to ensure that the government has a stable source of revenue to fund its development programs.
In the coming days and weeks, Ghanaians can expect to see the impact of the abolition of these taxes on their daily lives. With more money in their pockets, individuals can expect to increase their spending, which can boost economic activity. Businesses can also expect to increase their revenue, which can be invested in expanding their operations and creating more jobs.
As the country moves forward, it is essential to ensure that the benefits of the abolition of these taxes are shared equitably among all Ghanaians. The government must also ensure that it has a stable source of revenue to fund its development programs and promote economic growth.
In the end, the abolition of the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and other levies is a significant achievement for the Mahama administration. It demonstrates the government's commitment to creating a business