President John Dramani Mahama has officially approved legislative bills to eliminate several taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.
This action reflects the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) dedication to reducing the financial strain on the citizens of Ghana.
On March 13, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson introduced eight bills to Parliament, focusing on the repeal and modification of various taxes and levies. Among these were 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, which was implemented in 2022, imposed a 1% fee on electronic transactions, such as mobile money transfers and online payments. Its introduction was met with significant public opposition due to concerns about its effect on disposable income. Similarly, the Betting Tax, which charged a 10% fee on gross winnings from gambling, faced backlash from stakeholders within the gaming sector.
In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, John Dramani Mahama, then the NDC’s presidential candidate, promised to eliminate these taxes within his first 120 days in office if elected. With his recent endorsement of the revised tax bills, his administration has delivered on that electoral commitment.
