E-Levy, betting tax removed to promote financial inclusion – Thomas Ampem

Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko has justified the government’s decision to abolish the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), the betting tax, and several other taxes, stating that the move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promises and aims to boost financial inclusion.

Speaking on the OXFAM Tax Dialogue on Channel One TV, he emphasized that removing these taxes was not merely a policy shift but a commitment to honoring Mahama’s pledge to Ghanaians.

He noted that the government opposed the E-Levy from the outset, believing it hindered financial inclusion. According to him, studies support the argument that the levy discouraged digital transactions and reduced accessibility to financial services.

The E-Levy, initially introduced to generate revenue from electronic transactions, was widely criticized for burdening consumers and businesses. With its removal, the government hopes to encourage digital transactions, ease financial pressures, and enhance economic participation, particularly in the informal and digital sectors.