Ghanaians across the country have welcomed the government’s decision to abolish the betting tax and the electronic transfer levy (E-Levy), a move announced by Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the presentation of the 2025 Budget.

The decision, according to Dr. Forson, is aimed at lessening the financial burden on citizens and encouraging digital transactions. “The removal of these taxes will ease the burden on households and improve their disposable income,” the Minister stated.

Following the announcement, TheDotNews.com hit the streets to gauge public opinion, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

For Madam Elizabeth Hayford, a trader at Kaneshie Market, scrapping the E-Levy is a game changer.

“Because of the levy, we sometimes carry large sums of money to pay our suppliers instead of sending it electronically. This has made us targets for robbers,” she lamented. “Now, I can confidently send money without worrying about extra charges.”

Priscilla Hanson Aidoo, a seamstress, also expressed joy over the tax removal. “I can now transact business through my mobile money wallet without fear of losing part of my money to levies,” she said.

However, she urged telecommunication companies to also reduce their service charges, ensuring that customers truly benefit from the policy change.

For Nii Armah, a trader, this decision reaffirms his belief that the John Mahama-led administration has the welfare of Ghanaians at heart. “This is a government that listens to the people,” he said, praising the policy shift.

Meanwhile, Prince Acheampong, an unemployed youth, was particularly excited about the removal of the betting tax. “The only way I make some money is through betting, and losing 10% of my winnings to tax was painful. This is a huge relief for people like me,” he remarked.

The decision to remove these taxes is expected to encourage digital payments, boost small businesses, and provide much-needed financial relief to Ghanaians.

Source: TheDotNews