KEY POINTS
- The government is scrapping the E-Levy and betting tax to ease the financial burden.
- The proposed bills will be considered under a certificate of urgency.
- President Mahama is expected to sign them into law immediately.
On Thursday, March 13, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson introduced eight tax-related proposals to Parliament with the goal of eliminating a number of charges, including as the betting tax and the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy). Additionally, the measures aim to uncap statutory funds like the GETFund Levy and the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).
Finance minister presents bills to repeal controversial taxes
The National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) pledge in its manifesto to lessen Ghanaians’ financial burden is in line with the proposed tax repeals and amendments. A number of bills were introduced, including the 2025 Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025 Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Revenue Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Special Import Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025 Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the 2025 Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill. This legislative action comes after the Finance Minister made the announcement on March 11, 2025, when the government’s first budget statement was presented.
The administration has suggested eliminating the Emissions Tax and amending other fees that are thought to be excessive, in addition to doing away with the E-Levy and betting tax. The action is thought to be a big step in lessening the financial burden on both individuals and companies.
Government pushes for urgent passage of tax repeal bills
Forson stated in an interview with JoyNews PM Express on March 11 that he anticipates Parliament to examine the legislation under a certificate of urgency in order to guarantee their prompt passage. He emphasized that only a single clause in the legal framework is needed for each repeal, expressing confidence in the process. He promised that there would be no complicated legal changes needed to remove these levies.
Forson added that the measures are eligible for accelerated consideration because they are revenue-related. President John Dramani Mahama will sign them into law right away when Parliament passes them, keeping a major administration pledge to lower taxes and encourage economic relief.
