Parliament has officially passed bills to abolish the betting tax and the emission tax, marking yet another policy shift aimed at easing financial burdens on Ghanaians. This development follows the recent passage of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) Repeal Bill 2025, which scrapped the controversial levy on electronic financial transactions.
The abolition of the betting tax comes as a significant relief to industry players and betting enthusiasts who have long opposed the levy.
The tax, which was introduced as part of the government’s revenue mobilization strategy, had been met with resistance from both betting operators and patrons who argued that it stifled growth in the sector.
Similarly, the repeal of the emission tax is expected to alleviate costs for businesses operating in industries affected by the levy. The tax, which was imposed to regulate carbon emissions and encourage environmental responsibility, faced criticism from businesses that claimed it added to operational expenses without offering adequate incentives for compliance.
These legislative decisions align with the government’s broader agenda of fostering economic growth by reducing financial constraints on individuals and businesses. The move to scrap these taxes follows the approval of the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill 2025, which effectively eliminated the E-Levy—a tax on digital financial transactions that had been widely criticized since its introduction in 2022.
During parliamentary debates, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem emphasized the economic relief brought by these repeals. Speaking on the E-Levy abolition, he stated, “The abolishment of the E-Levy will effectively return GH₵2 billion to the people, helping to ease financial pressures and improve livelihoods.”
The repeal of these taxes is expected to stimulate economic activity by encouraging digital payments, boosting business operations, and enhancing financial inclusion. Many industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, anticipating a positive impact on commerce, investments, and revenue generation in the long run.
With these policy changes, Ghana’s financial landscape is set to witness a transformation, fostering a more business-friendly environment while ensuring economic relief for its citizens.
