Gov’t to Present Bill Today to Scrap E-Levy, Betting Tax – Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to present urgent bill seeking to repeal E-Levy, COVID-19 Levy, and betting tax as part of government's tax relief measures
- Bill to be laid today under a certificate of urgency in Parliament
- Taxes to be scrapped include E-Levy, COVID-19 Levy, and the 10% betting tax
- Swift implementation expected as President Mahama will sign immediately after passage
The government is set to present a bill to Parliament today, March 13, aimed at scrapping several taxes, including the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), the COVID-19 Levy, and the 10% tax on lottery and betting winnings.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the move in an interview on Tuesday, March 11, stating that the bills would be introduced under a certificate of urgency.
“Tomorrow morning, I will be going to Parliament to submit the bills, and I expect Parliament to take them through a certificate of urgency,” Dr. Forson said.
The proposal aligns with his pledge during the 2025 Budget Statement presentation on March 11, where he also recommended abolishing the Emissions Tax and other levies.
Dr. Forson expressed confidence in a swift repeal process, citing the simplicity of the bills.
“Each tax repeal will require just one clause. Scrapping the betting tax, E-Levy, and others is a straightforward process,” he noted.
He further emphasized that the bills qualify for expedited passage under the Constitution.
“It’s a revenue bill, and under the Constitution, finance bills can be laid under a certificate of urgency,” he explained.
Dr. Forson assured that once Parliament approves the bill, President John Dramani Mahama will immediately sign it into law.
