- MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewett, stated the E-Levy’s removal requires regulatory approval
- He emphasized that telecom operators must follow official directives despite President Mahama's assent to scrapping the levy
- Blewett is optimistic the levy’s removal will boost mobile money transactions
MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewett, has explained that the abolition of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) cannot be implemented immediately, as it requires regulatory approval.
His comments come after President John Dramani Mahama signed legislative bills to eliminate several taxes, including the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.
Speaking at MTN House in Accra on April 2, Blewett acknowledged public expectations but emphasized the importance of adhering to regulatory procedures. “There’s a process to follow. I can’t abolish the E-Levy until I’m officially instructed to do so. If I act prematurely, the Bank of Ghana will intervene,” he stated.
While the government has indicated its intent to scrap the levy, Blewett stressed that telecom operators like MTN can only make changes once they receive formal directives. He also pointed out the negative effect the E-Levy had on mobile money transactions and expressed hope that its removal would revive the sector.
“The purpose of removing the E-Levy is to reignite growth in mobile money,” he said.
While acknowledging that the tax removal is expected to enhance digital transactions and financial inclusion, Blewett assured that MTN would implement the change only after receiving official guidance.
“We will follow the official process. Once it’s gone, mobile money will regain its momentum.”
The E-Levy, initially set at 1.75% and later reduced to 1%, taxed various electronic transactions, including mobile money payments, bank transfers, and inward remittances. Since its introduction in 2022, it has faced widespread criticism, with opponents claiming it burdened citizens and discouraged digital transactions.
