President John Dramani Mahama has signed into law a series of key bills that abolish the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the betting tax, and the emissions tax, among others, delivering on a central campaign promise.

The legislation, passed by Ghana’s Parliament on March 26, marks a significant policy shift aimed at alleviating the financial burden on citizens and spurring economic growth.

The signing ceremony, conducted at the president’s office, signals a major step in Mahama’s administration’s efforts to ease the cost of living and encourage business development. The repeal of the E-Levy, in particular, has been widely welcomed across the country, especially among critics who have long opposed the tax.

Introduced in 2022 by the previous New Patriotic Party administration, the E-Levy imposed a 1.5% tax on a range of electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers, bank transfers, and online payments. The tax faced backlash from the public, with protests erupting over its perceived negative impact on low-income earners and the unbanked population.

The repeal of these taxes aligns with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party’s manifesto, which vowed to reduce the financial pressures on Ghanaians and foster a more conducive environment for business expansion.

Source:TheDotNews