President John Mahama Assenting to the bills.
During discussions, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga noted that repealing the E-Levy alone was expected to free up an estimated GH¢2 billion for Ghanaian families, providing much-needed disposable income in the current economic climate.
While the abolishment of the betting tax and E-Levy has garnered significant attention, it is important to consider the broader implications for Ghana’s fiscal policy. The E-Levy was introduced under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government with the intention of expanding the tax base to include informal sectors, particularly through electronic transactions. Despite its good intentions, the E-Levy faced intense backlash, resulting in protests and low compliance rates.
The subsequent promise by both major political parties to repeal it during the 2024 campaign season reflects a growing recognition of the need to foster economic growth while alleviating the financial strain on citizens.