Scrapping E-Levy, betting tax honors our social contract with Ghanaians — Deputy Finance Minister

Thomas Nyarko Ampem

Thomas Ampem Nyarko, the Deputy Finance Minister, has reiterated the rationale behind the proposal in the 2025 Budget Statement to remove certain taxes.

Presenting the budget to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the E-levy, betting tax, emissions levy, and others would be scrapped once the budget is approved.

He noted that these tax reliefs would help cushion Ghanaian households and businesses struggling with economic hardships.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr. Ampem Nyarko emphasized that the move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promises and the need to honor the social contract made with Ghanaians.

“We have taken out some taxes in fulfillment of a campaign promise. Mahama promised that he would remove the E-Levy, betting tax, and several others—and he has delivered. We have done this to respect the social contract that President Mahama made with Ghanaians,” he said.

The Deputy Finance Minister further explained that the move reflects Mahama’s commitment to financial inclusion.

“We did not just promise the removal of taxes—we were convinced they had to go. E-Levy, for example, was something every Ghanaian knew we opposed from the beginning. We still believe it hinders financial inclusion, and there is a report to support that,” he stressed.