The year 2024 marked a transformative period for Ghana, as the government executed a series of policies designed to guide economic growth, enhance social equity, and improve public welfare. These reforms traversed multiple sectors, from education and healthcare to economic stabilization and gender equality, significantly impacting the lives of millions of Ghanaians. This article examines the five most influential government policies of 2024, exploring their goals, execution, and results.
The Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy), which aroused dispute when it was passed in 2022, continued to make waves in 2024. The tax imposes a 1.5% charge on all electronic transactions exceeding GH₵ 100 per day. Despite ongoing opposition, protests, and captiousness labelling the tax as regressive and burdensome, the E-Levy remained in effect. Its persistence highlighted the government’s commitment to bolstering its tax revenue, despite significant public discontent.
Passport Application Fees
The utmost policy that impacted Ghanaians in 2024 was the substantial increase in passport application fees. On April 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states a 400% rise in the fees for passport services. The cost for a 32-page standard passport increased from GHC 100 to GHC 500, while the 48-page standard booklet now costs GHC 644. Applicants for expedited services saw even higher fees, with the 32-page option priced at GHC 700 and the 48-page expedited service at GHC 800. This fee adjustment was part of the Ministry’s 2024 budget, which Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee had acceded to. While the fee hike faced disparagement from various sectors of the public, the Ministry defended the decision as obligatory.
Betting Tax
In 2024, the betting tax remained a controversial issue, particularly as the country approached the general election. The 10% tax on sports betting winnings, introduced in August 2023, continued to be a point debate. The Ghana Revenue Authority enforced a 10% withholding tax on both lottery and sports betting winnings, a measure that was met with counteraction from young Ghanaians who felt the policy added unnecessary financial pressure. This policy transferred many voters, particularly among the youth, who expressed concerns over its negative impact on their economic prospects.
One Student, One Tablet Initiative
On March 25, President Nana Akufo-Addo initiated the highly anticipated One Student, One Tablet initiative. This program endeavours to distribute 1.3 million tablets to senior high school students, enabling them to tackle technological advancements in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The initiative caused a significant debate within the education sector, with several stakeholders deliberating about its potential impact on students and the future of education in Ghana.
COVID Tax
The COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, introduced in March 2021, remained a subject of debate throughout 2024. The levy, which forces a 1% charge on the gross value of taxable supplies of goods and services, proceeded to affect businesses and the general public. Many Ghanaians, mostly those in the business community, called for its removal, viewing it as an extreme burden in the post-pandemic era. Despite the universal calls for its revoke, the tax remained in effect, contributing to ongoing discussions about the government’s fiscal policies.
These five policies collectively shaped the economic and social landscape of Ghana in 2024, reflecting the government's efforts to balance growth, equity, and sustainability amidst public opposition and evolving national needs.
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