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Parliament has passed the Electronic Transfer Levy Repeal Bill 2025, officially scrapping the controversial E-Levy, which previously taxed electronic financial transactions in Ghana.
The E-Levy was first introduced in 2022 at a rate of 1.75% before being revised to 1%. It applied to mobile money payments, bank transfers, and inward remittances. However, the levy faced widespread criticism, with many arguing that it placed an undue financial burden on citizens and discouraged digital transactions.
During discussions on the repeal bill, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem emphasized the economic relief the decision would bring to the public.
“The abolishment of the E-Levy will effectively return GH¢2 billion to the people, helping to ease financial pressures and improve livelihoods,” he stated.
The decision to remove the levy aligns with the government’s goal of promoting financial inclusion and encouraging the use of digital payment platforms without imposing additional costs on users.
Many business owners, mobile money agents, and financial experts had previously spoken out against the levy, citing its negative impact on digital transactions and financial accessibility.
With the passage of the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill 2025, Ghana’s financial sector is expected to see a surge in electronic transactions, ultimately boosting digital commerce and economic growth.