🎯 “No More E-Levy!” – President Mahama Finally Delivers on His Biggest Campaign Promise

Ghanaian taxpayers can finally breathe a sigh of relief—as of April 2025, the controversial E-Levy and betting tax have officially been scrapped! In a bold move fulfilling a key campaign promise, President John Dramani Mahama signed into law the repeal of these two levies, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s financial policy landscape.

If you're wondering what this means for you, your mobile money wallet, and your sports betting wins—stick with us. This post breaks down everything from the why, how, and what next of this major financial news rocking Ghana’s headlines.

What Was the E-Levy All About?

The Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) was first introduced in 2022 by the former administration as a 1.5% tax on mobile money transfers, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances over a specific threshold. Later reduced to 1%, the levy still sparked outrage across all age brackets—from Gen Z momo users to elderly pensioners.

Ghanaians argued it was a “double taxation” scheme, punishing those who had already paid income tax on their earnings. The levy was seen as a desperate move to raise government revenue amid growing national debt and inflation.

 Why the E-Levy and Betting Tax Had to Go

During the 2024 presidential campaign, John Mahama consistently promised to repeal both the E-Levy and the controversial 10% betting tax, describing them as “regressive” and “oppressive to ordinary citizens.”

According to analysts and civil society groups, the taxes were:

• Discouraging mobile money usage

• Hurting low-income earners disproportionately

• Creating loopholes and promoting cash-based transactions

• Chasing the youth away from digital financial services

By scrapping these taxes, the Mahama administration aims to restore confidence in the digital economy, encourage financial inclusion, and provide economic relief to everyday Ghanaians.

💼 Betting Tax: Youth in Focus

The 10% withholding tax on betting wins was particularly controversial among the youth. Ghana’s high youth unemployment rate had made online betting a popular (though risky) avenue for quick cash. The tax was widely seen as an exploitation of already vulnerable young people trying to make ends meet.

With this tax now gone, the reaction on social media was immediate:

“Mahama just became MVP for cancelling that wicked betting tax! ✌🏾”
– Twitter/X user @KwameThePlug

Search terms like “Betting tax Ghana removed” and “Mahama betting tax news” spiked on Google within hours of the announcement.

📈 Economic and Political Impact

The repeal of the E-Levy and betting tax is not just about popularity—it has deep economic and political implications:

📉 Short-Term Revenue Loss

Yes, the government will lose some immediate revenue—estimated at GH¢1.2 billion annually from the E-Levy alone. But according to Finance Minister Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, this will be offset by increased compliance, digitization, and broader tax reforms.

🗳️ Boost in Public Confidence

This move is likely to boost trust in the Mahama administration, showing that promises made on the campaign trail weren’t just lip service. It sets the tone for a citizen-first approach to governance.

📱 Surge in Digital Transactions

Expect a strong rebound in mobile money usage. Telcos and fintech companies are already reporting early signs of increased transaction volumes. It’s a win for digital finance.

🔍 What Are People Searching for Online?

Here are the top Google trending keywords related to this hot topic:

• E-Levy Ghana abolished

• John Mahama news today

• Ghana tax relief 2025

• How to check momo tax Ghana

• Betting tax Ghana update

• Mahama promises fulfilled

• Ghana financial policy changes

These terms are lighting up Ghana’s digital space as citizens, businesses, and journalists seek clarity on how this new law affects them.

What It Means For You

Here’s a quick guide to what you no longer have to pay for:

Now that these taxes are gone, you can enjoy your momo transfers and betting wins with a little more peace of mind. But remember—this doesn’t mean all taxes are gone. Income tax, VAT, and others are still in effect.

🇬🇭 Public Reaction: Cheers and Questions

Ghanaians have responded with a mix of excitement, gratitude, and cautious optimism. Markets and lorry stations buzzed with praise for the government’s action, while influencers and media houses broke down the news on every channel.

However, some citizens are asking:

• Will this tax cut lead to budget deficits?

• Can Ghana sustain development without these revenue sources?

• What new taxes might replace them?

🤔 What’s Next?

President Mahama has promised a broader tax reform strategy that focuses on widening the tax net rather than deepening it. That means more digital tracking, better enforcement, and ensuring big corporations pay their fair share.

Also, expect the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to introduce new public education campaigns around these changes so that businesses and individuals understand the new rules.

 Final Thoughts

The repeal of the E-Levy and betting tax is one of the most people-centered policy moves in Ghana’s recent political history. It’s a win for the average Ghanaian, the struggling student, the single mother sending money home, and the small business trying to stay afloat.

It’s not just a tax repeal—it’s a signal that government is willing to listen.

And if the buzz around “John Mahama fulfilled promises” continues to trend, it might just reshape Ghana’s political and economic narrative in 2025.

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