President John Dramani Mahama has assented to eight amended bills, including the repeal of the Betting Tax, Emissions Tax, and the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy).
This decision marks a pivotal moment in the country’s economic policy, delivering on promises made by the administration to ease financial burdens on citizens and businesses.
The Betting Tax, which had imposed a 10% levy on gambling winnings, was widely criticised for discouraging participation in the betting industry.
Similarly, the Emissions Tax, introduced as an environmental initiative, faced backlash from vehicle owners and businesses for its financial strain.
The E-Levy, a 1% tax on electronic transactions, had sparked nationwide protests since its inception, with many Ghanaians decrying it as double taxation.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in this year’s budget announced the government’s plans to scrap these taxes.
Ahead of the 2024 general election, President Mahama pledged to scrap these taxes.
The other bills are the Public Procurement Act; Value Added Tax Amendment Bill, 2025; Petroleum Revenue Management Amendment Bill, 2025; Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Gold Board Bill, 2025.
