E-levy, betting tax, others officially scrapped as President assents to bills

President John Dramani Mahama has signed into law a set of amended bills, effectively abolishing the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the Betting Tax, and the Emissions Tax.

The repealed laws include the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, the Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, and the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, among others.

The signing ceremony, held at Jubilee House, marked a significant step in the government’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on Ghanaians and stimulating economic growth. Present at the event were key government officials, including Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and legal counsel to the President, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong

The abolished levies had been a source of public discontent, with critics arguing they increased the cost of living and hindered business growth. The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, generated some GH¢4.5 billion, while the Betting Tax raised GH¢180 million.

The National Democratic Congress had pledged during its 2024 campaign to remove these “nuisance” taxes to foster a business-friendly environment and increase the disposable incomes of Ghanaians.

Beyond tax reforms, President Mahama also signed the Gold Board Bill, 2025, which establishes the Ghana Gold Board to regulate gold trade and curb illegal mining.

The law mandates stricter penalties for illegal mining operations and enforces a local content requirement to promote Ghanaian participation in the gold industry. Additionally, the bill ensures that a percentage of gold sales is retained in a stabilisation fund to support economic development.

Several other amendments were also signed into law. The Petroleum Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2025, redirects the entire Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) towards infrastructure development under the government’s “Big Push” initiative.

The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, removes VAT on motor vehicle insurance to ease financial pressure on households and transport operators. The

The Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, restores full funding for critical sectors, including free senior high school education, the National Health Insurance Scheme, road maintenance, and healthcare programs.

While these laws take immediate effect, their full implementation depends on the gazetting process and directives from the GRA.

Telecommunication service providers and financial institutions will need to adjust their systems before mobile money transactions reflect the removal of the E-Levy.

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies that enhance economic growth, financial inclusion, and sustainable development, stating that the removal of these taxes would empower businesses and ease the cost of living for Ghanaians.