President Mahama Approves Bills to Remove E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy

 

President Mahama Approves Bills to Remove E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Levy

President John Dramani Mahama has officially signed a series of legislative bills into law, effectively eliminating key controversial taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.

This decision fulfills a major campaign promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaians.

The signing comes after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson submitted eight tax-related bills to Parliament on March 13, 2025.

The new laws repeal and amend various tax policies, such as:

• Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025

• Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025

• Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025

• Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Impact of the Tax Removal

The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, imposed a 1% charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. It was widely criticized for disproportionately affecting ordinary citizens and businesses.

Likewise, the Betting Tax, which levied a 10% charge on gross gambling winnings, was opposed by stakeholders in the gaming industry, who considered it excessive.

President Mahama’s action aligns with his 2024 election commitment to repeal these taxes within his first 120 days in office.

“We made this promise to the people of Ghana, and today, we have delivered on it,” he stated after signing the bill.