- The tax cuts help fix economic problems
- It helps more people use digital payments
- The goal is to make digital payments more common
Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has defended the government’s decision to remove the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), betting tax, and other taxes, stating that the move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promises and will promote financial inclusion.
In an appearance on the OXFAM Tax Dialogue on Channel One TV, discussing “The Tax Implication of the 2025 Budget,” Ampem Nyarko explained that eliminating these taxes was not just a policy change but a fulfillment of Mahama’s pledge to the people of Ghana.
“We have removed certain taxes to fulfill a campaign promise. Mahama committed to removing the E-Levy, betting tax, and others—and we have kept that promise. This action respects the social contract President Mahama made with the people,” he said.
He also emphasized that the decision was not only political but also necessary to tackle larger economic issues, especially within the digital and informal sectors.
“We didn’t just promise tax removal—we believed it was essential. The E-Levy, for instance, was opposed by many Ghanaians from the start. We still believe it hindered financial inclusion, and there’s evidence to back this,” he stated.
The E-Levy, initially introduced to generate revenue from electronic transactions, particularly mobile payments, faced widespread criticism for discouraging digital transactions and limiting financial access for many Ghanaians.
With the removal of the E-Levy, the government aims to promote digital transactions, reduce financial strain, and improve economic participation across various sectors.
