Gov’t to Implement Removal of Betting Tax, COVID Levy and E-Levy in April
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that preparations are at an advanced stage to remove several contentious taxes introduced by the previous administration, as the government moves to ease the tax burden on businesses and individuals.
Daniel Nuer, Acting Director of Revenue Policy at the Ministry, said authorities have commenced parliamentary engagements to fast-track the repeal of the 10% Betting Tax, the COVID Levy, and the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy).
The move follows Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s 2025 budget presentation to Parliament on March 11, in which he outlined plans to scrap the levies.
“We have already started engaging Parliament on the necessary legislation for removing these taxes and levies. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect these bills to be passed by the end of the month. By April, we will begin implementation,” Mr Nuer said at a post-budget webinar hosted by Lima Partners.
The tax removals, if approved, are expected to offer relief to businesses and consumers while potentially impacting government revenue projections.
The administration, however, is betting on enhanced compliance and economic expansion to offset any short-term revenue losses.
COVID-19 Levy to be Abolished Under VAT Reforms
Meanwhile, Economist and Political Analyst Dr. Theo Acheampong has clarified that the contentious COVID-19 levy will be scrapped as part of the government’s planned VAT reforms.
His comments follow media reports suggesting that the levy remains in place despite expectations of its removal.
“Just so you know, the COVID-19 levy will be taken care of/abolished as part of the VAT reforms. There shouldn’t be confusion about this—the propaganda should be quashed as soon as possible,” Dr. Acheampong stated.
He further explained that Ghana’s effective VAT rate currently stands at approximately 22% due to the cumulative impact of the 2.5% GETFund Levy, 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), and the 1% COVID-19 levy, which are all added to the base VAT rate.
“We need the effective VAT rate to be 15%-17% to be competitive, and also increase the registration threshold to exempt micro and small businesses from collecting VAT—collection is a big compliance issue for many small businesses,” he noted.
The clarification comes in the wake of the 2025 Budget presentation by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in which the government announced plans to abolish several taxes.
These include the 10% withholding tax on lottery winnings (popularly known as the “Betting Tax”), the 1% Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the Emission Levy on industries and vehicles, the VAT on motor vehicle insurance policies, and the 1.5% withholding tax on the sale of unprocessed gold by small-scale miners.
