‘It distorts consumption, it distorts production’ – Mark Badu Aboagye on E-Levy’s negative impact

Mark Badu Aboagye, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has strongly criticized the E-Levy, calling it the most disruptive tax he has encountered.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, he argued that the levy distorted consumption and production, harming businesses and consumers. While he welcomed the government's decision to scrap the E-Levy, he lamented that its existence had burdened economic activities despite previous reductions to 1%.

Aboagye also criticized Ghana’s complex VAT system, which he believes discourages compliance and increases business costs. He expressed frustration over the government's deferral of VAT reforms, leaving businesses stuck with a 22% rate.

While acknowledging opportunities in the 2025 budget, he stressed that unresolved economic concerns require further discussion to create a more business-friendly tax regime.