Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced the elimination of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) and the 10% betting tax, citing their failure to meet revenue expectations and their contribution to Ghana’s cost-of-living crisis.
Presenting the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on March 11, 2025, Dr. Forson emphasized that scrapping these levies, originally introduced by the previous administration, is a critical step toward easing financial pressures on Ghanaians and supporting economic recovery.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson on removal of 10% witholding betting tax #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/vWTMfPyTgA
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) March 11, 2025
The decision follows widespread calls from football fans and bettors who argued that the betting tax significantly reduced their winnings, leaving them with little to no profit.
The betting tax, in particular, had drawn frustration from Ghana’s youth, who saw it as a hindrance amid scarce formal employment opportunities.
Dr. Forson also assured Parliament that the government would focus on improving revenue collection efficiency rather than introducing new taxes.
This approach, he said, would ensure sufficient funding for development projects without increasing the financial strain on citizens.
