In a move aimed at alleviating financial hardship and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery, the Mahama administration has scrapped the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) and the 10% betting tax.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson made the announcement while presenting the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on March 11, 2025. He stated that these taxes, introduced by the previous government, had worsened the cost of living and failed to generate the expected revenue.
“The removal of these taxes is part of our strategy to ease the cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” Dr. Forson assured lawmakers.
The E-Levy, which was implemented in 2022, faced widespread opposition, particularly from small businesses and low-income earners who saw it as an unfair financial burden. Similarly, the betting tax was met with resistance, especially from the youth, who viewed it as an obstacle amid limited job opportunities.
Beyond these tax eliminations, Dr. Forson revealed that the government plans to introduce targeted tax reliefs for businesses and traders to stimulate economic growth.
“We are working on a tax structure that encourages production and business expansion without suffocating individuals and small enterprises,” he emphasized.
These measures are expected to provide much-needed relief to Ghanaians while fostering a more business-friendly environment in the country.
