Cancelling E-Levy Is Good But… – Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah
Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, a Governance Analyst and lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, has commended the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for assenting to the bills cancelling the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) and betting tax and other nuisance taxes.
The President, on April 2, appended his signature to the bills which had been passed by Parliament in fulfillment of the government’s promise prior to winning the 2024 general elections.
The E-Levy was introduced in 2022 by the New Patriotic Party administration under the leadership of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
It imposed a 1.5% and later reduced to 1% tax on electronic transactions such as mobile money transfers, bank transfers and online payments.
The previous administration further implemented a 10% tax dubbed betting tax on Sports bets.
The removal of these taxes comes as a big relief to Ghanaians.
Commenting on the development during Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show with Akwasi Aboagye, Dr. Otchere-Ankrah was happy the President has heeded the calls to abolish the E-Levy.
“As a nation, we welcome it. It is a good decision”, he remarked.
However, he dissented from the majority opinion on betting tax.
To him, this tax shouldn’t have been eliminated, asking why should one put stakes on a soccer game, win and not pay any tax but he pays income tax on his gains from his hard work.
“I don’t agree and believe I will not change my mind about my position on this (betting tax)”, he stated.
Source: Ghmessenger.com
