President John Dramani Mahama has officially signed into law Bills that repeal the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the Betting Tax, and the Emissions Levy.
The move marks a significant shift in the government’s tax policy, aimed at easing the financial burden on individuals and businesses.
The Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, effectively abolishes the Electronic Transfer Levy Act, 2022 (Act 1075) and its amendment (Act 1089). Similarly, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, eliminates the withholding tax on lottery, betting, and game-of-chance winnings, as well as on the purchase of unprocessed gold. The Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, nullifies the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112).
Key figures present at the signing
The signing ceremony at the Presidency was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Baah Forson, Clerk to Parliament Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Chief of Staff Mr Julius Debrah, and Presidential Spokesman and Minister in charge of Government Communications Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Other notable attendees were Mr Seth Emmanuel Terkper, a Presidential Advisor on the Economy and a former Finance Minister, Mrs Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to the President and Presidential Advisor, and Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Senior Legal Advisor to the President.
Boost to Disposable Incomes and Economic GrowthThe repealing of these taxes aligns with the government’s broader tax reform agenda, which seeks to improve disposable incomes for households and reduce the overall tax burden.
The removal of the E-Levy is expected to increase the financial flexibility of Ghanaians, while also offering relief to businesses that previously bore the cost of the levy.
Additionally, the repeal is seen as a move towards fostering a cash-lite economy by encouraging digital transactions, financial innovation, and reducing the cost of doing business.
Experts anticipate that these changes will stimulate consumer spending and drive economic growth across multiple sectors.
Impact on gold trade and smuggling
A significant provision in the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is the elimination of withholding tax on the purchase of unprocessed gold.
This policy is expected to curb gold smuggling and ensure that Ghana maximizes the economic benefits of its natural resources.
Additional Bills signed into law
Beyond the repeal of these taxes, President Mahama also assented to eight additional Bills, including, Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Public Financial Management Bill, 2025, Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and Gold Board Bill, 2025
These legislative changes reflect the government’s commitment to a more streamlined and equitable taxation system, fostering both economic stability and long-term financial inclusivity for all Ghanaians.
