E-Levy Repeal Bill: Mahama's Assent Expected Next Week Wednesday - Deputy Finance Minister
Accra, Ghana - 27 march, 2025 - Ghana's President John Mahama is expected to give his seal of approval to the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) repeal bill by April 2, 2025, marking a significant victory for Ghanaians who have long opposed the tax according to Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
In an interview with JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, March 26, Nyarko Ampem noted that parliament has given the bill its seal of approval, but it still requires the President's signature to become law, with formal transmission to the President pending.
He added that once the President assents to the bill, the Finance Ministry will promptly direct the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to halt the collection of the E-Levy. The GRA is already prepared for the transition, ensuring a swift implementation after the President's approval.
“My discussions with the Commissioner General indicate that as soon as the President assents, they will take steps to comply,” he said.
“Parliament is still in session, and so I doubt the Clerk has been able to transmit what we are doing to the President. There are a number of other bills that we are considering, so if they will be able to do that, it will have to be tomorrow or the day after,” he said.
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, imposed a 1.5% tax on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. Its repeal has been widely welcomed by Ghanaians, who strongly opposed the tax.
The repeal is expected to take effect before April 4,according to the Deputy finance Minister, bringing relief to individuals and businesses that have been burdened by the tax.
“I understand the President may be out of town tomorrow, and so all things being equal, by Wednesday, he will assent to the bill. Once that happens, the Finance Ministry will get the GRA to discontinue collecting the E-Levy, and it’s going to happen as soon as possible.''
“I’m sure it will take effect before next week Friday," he added.
Source: Lead News Online
