‘I Can’t Abolish E-Levy Until I’m Told to Do It’ – MTN CEO
MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett clarifies the company's position on the E-Levy as President Mahama signs new legislation to remove several taxes.
- MTN CEO says E-Levy removal depends on official instructions
- Performance of the E-Levy fell short of expectations
- President Mahama signs laws to abolish E-Levy and other taxes
MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, has clarified that the telecom company cannot abolish the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) unless instructed to do so, emphasizing that there’s a formal process to follow.
Speaking at the MTN House in Accra on April 2, Blewett stated, “I can’t abolish E-Levy until I’m told to do it. If I do it ahead of time, the Bank of Ghana will catch me.”
He also commented on the E-Levy’s performance, noting that the revenue it generated fell short of initial predictions. His statement came on the same day that former President John Dramani Mahama officially signed new legislation into law, abolishing several taxes, including the E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.
At the signing ceremony, Mahama emphasized his administration’s commitment to alleviating the financial burden on Ghanaians, asserting that the removal of these taxes would stimulate economic growth and provide much-needed relief to individuals and businesses alike. The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, had been criticized for raising the cost of mobile money and digital transactions.
The move aligns with Mahama’s earlier stance while in opposition, where he promised to repeal taxes he deemed harmful to the public.
With the E-Levy’s removal, the government aims to enhance digital transactions, stimulate the gaming sector by removing the Betting Tax, and alleviate costs for businesses affected by the Emissions Tax.
