Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will abolish the betting tax, e-levy, and emissions levy, introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Speaking during the budget reading in Parliament on March 11, Ato Forson explained that these taxes have placed a significant financial burden on households, exacerbating the cost of living for many Ghanaians. By removing these levies, the NDC aims to reduce this strain and improve the disposable incomes of citizens, allowing them to better manage their finances.
“Mr Speaker, we will abolish betting tax, abolish the 1% electronic transfer levy and scrape off the emissions levy,” he said.
“Mr. Speaker, we are going to relieve Ghanaians of the burden of these taxes. This is going to help reduce burden on households and improve disposable incomes,” he added.
The betting tax, e-levy, and emissions levy have sparked significant public debate since their introduction, with critics arguing that they disproportionately affect lower-income groups. The e-levy, in particular, faced strong opposition due to its impact on mobile money transactions, a crucial payment method for many Ghanaians.
The minister emphasised that abolishing these taxes is part of the NDC’s commitment to creating a fairer and more inclusive economic environment, one that prioritises the financial well-being of Ghanaian households.
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Story by: Nancy Kyeremeh | univers.ug.edu.gh
