Why I can’t scrap E-levy immediately – MTN CEO

MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett has clarified the situation regarding the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy). He stated that abolishing the E-Levy cannot happen immediately. It must go through a regulatory process first.

Blewett spoke at MTN House in Accra on April 2. He emphasized that MTN needs official instructions before making any changes. “There is a process that has to be followed,” he said.

He added, “I can’t abolish E-Levy until I’m told to do it.” He warned that acting prematurely could lead to issues with the Bank of Ghana.

His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s approval of bills to scrap several taxes. These include the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.

Blewett acknowledged that removing these taxes would positively impact digital transactions. He assured the public that MTN will comply with all legal procedures.

“The reason for the abolishment of E-Levy is to encourage momentum in mobile money,” he explained.

He reassured mobile money users about future changes. Once all processes are completed, MTN will implement them accordingly.

“We will follow the process,” he said. “Once it’s gone, mobile money will regain its strength.”