The President John Dramani Mahama has assented to a set of legislative bills aimed at abolishing several taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.
This move is in line with the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) promise to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaians.
On March 13, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented eight bills to Parliament focused on repealing and amending various taxes and levies.
Among these bills 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.
The E-Levy, which was introduced in 2022, imposed a 1% charge on electronic transactions such as mobile money transfers and online payments.
It faced significant resistance from the public due to its perceived negative impact on disposable incomes. The Betting Tax, which taxed 10% of gross winnings from gambling activities, also encountered criticism from stakeholders in the gaming industry.
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, then-NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama pledged to abolish these taxes within his first 120 days in office if elected.
By approving the amended tax bills, Mahama’s administration has now fulfilled this key campaign promise.
