Ghana’s President Mahama delivers on tax cut promise

On April 2, President John Dramani Mahama signed into law a series of legislative bills abolishing several controversial taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax. The move fulfills a key campaign promise by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to ease financial pressures on citizens.

The bills had been presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on March 13, 2025, seeking to repeal and amend multiple tax policies. Among them 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, introduced in 2022, had imposed a 1% charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. It had faced widespread criticism for disproportionately affecting ordinary citizens and businesses. Similarly, the 10% Betting Tax on gross gambling winnings had drawn opposition from industry stakeholders, who argued that it was punitive.

President Mahama’s decision aligned with his 2024 campaign pledge to eliminate these taxes within his first 120 days in office. Following the bill’s assent, he stated that the government had honored its commitment to the people of Ghana. The reforms are expected to stimulate economic activity and provide relief, with stakeholders anticipating positive effects on the betting industry and the broader economy. The repeal marks a significant shift in Ghana’s fiscal policy.