E-Levy and Betting Tax to Be Scrapped in First Budget – Ato Forson
Finance Minister-designate calls for tax reforms to accelerate digital economy and improve fiscal policy
- Forson commits to removing both taxes in his first budget if confirmed as Finance Minister
- Forson argues that the E-Levy hampers digital transactions and hinders progress toward a cashless economy
- Forson asserts the betting tax generates insufficient revenue and should be eliminated
Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has committed to eliminating both the E-Levy and the betting tax in the government’s first budget, should he be confirmed.
He emphasized that these taxes are obstacles to economic progress particularly the E-Levy, which he argues discourages digital transactions and hinders the nation’s transition to a cashless economy. Additionally, Forson noted that the betting tax generates little revenue.
Forson, who has long been a vocal critic of the E-Levy, reaffirmed his stance, stating, “The E-Levy is neither a direct tax, an indirect tax, nor an excise tax.
It has failed and must be abolished.” He added that while the tax brings in some revenue, it ultimately obstructs growth in the digital space.
“I’ve always been against it, and I will stand by my commitment,” Forson declared, promising to scrap both taxes as part of his first budget.
He also highlighted the commitment made by H.E. John Dramani Mahama to abolish the E-Levy as part of his 120-day agenda.
