Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Parliament and a nominee for the position of Finance Minister, has announced his intention to abolish the controversial Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) and the betting tax if approved for the role.
Speaking during a recent policy discussion, Dr. Forson criticized the betting tax for its minimal contribution to the national revenue, revealing that it generates less than GHC 50 million annually.
According to him, scrapping the tax would not have a significant impact on the economy but would ease the financial burden on Ghanaians.
“I will graciously abolish the E-Levy and betting tax when approved as the Minister of Finance. The betting tax, in particular, brings in less than GHC 50 million yearly, and its removal will not harm the economy,” he stated.
Dr. Forson further reiterated his commitment to creating a fair and efficient tax system that promotes economic growth and alleviates the financial strain on citizens.
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, has faced strong public backlash due to its impact on mobile money transactions and digital payments. Similarly, the betting tax has drawn criticism from the youth, who see it as an additional obstacle in an already challenging economic climate.
Dr. Forson’s proposal to abolish these taxes forms part of broader efforts to reform Ghana’s tax regime and ensure sustainable economic growth.
