Governance Expert Applauds Mahama for Scrapping E-Levy, Betting Tax—But Raises Key Concerns
Dr. Richmond Yeboah praises the Mahama administration for removing unpopular taxes but raises concerns over accountability, revenue loss, and policy implementation.
- Governance expert applauds the removal of E-Levy, betting tax, and others, calling it a political win
- Warns that weak tax collection systems and corruption could hinder economic recovery
- Suggests funds could have been redirected to support the National Apprenticeship Program
The Mahama administration has scrapped the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy), the 10% tax on betting, the COVID-19 Levy, and the emission tax, citing the need to ease the financial burden on Ghanaians and support economic recovery.
Presenting the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on March 11, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that these taxes, introduced by the previous administration, failed to generate the expected revenue and instead exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis.
Reacting to the announcement on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio, Governance and Development Expert Dr. Richmond Yeboah acknowledged that the tax cuts align with the Mahama administration’s campaign promises, making them a politically strategic move.
However, he stressed the need for accountability in tax collection, warning that revenue mobilization challenges persist due to corruption and inadequate data systems.
Dr. Yeboah reiterated his long-standing opposition to the E-Levy, describing it as a “nuisance tax” since its inception. On the emission tax, he urged the government to establish clear guidelines on who should be responsible for payments to ensure proper implementation.
While commending the removal of the betting tax, he suggested that, rather than scrapping it entirely, the government could have redirected the funds to support the National Apprenticeship Program to create jobs for the youth.
