The Deputy Minister of Finance nominee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has reaffirmed the government’s decision to scrap the e-levy and betting tax, saying it is in line with the administration’s campaign promises.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, March 3, 2025, Mr Ampem assured Ghanaians that the removal of these taxes would be reflected in the national budget, which is scheduled to be presented on March 11.

His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s repeated pledge to abolish the levies, which have been widely criticised by businesses and individuals.

“The President has made it clear that he will deliver on the promises he made to Ghanaians. That includes removing the e-levy and betting tax,” Mr Ampem said.

He explained that the government had identified a VAT revenue gap and would work to close it as an alternative way to generate funds.

“The medium-term revenue strategy estimates that we have a 61% VAT gap, meaning we are collecting only 39% of our potential VAT revenue. By improving tax collection, we can make up for the revenue shortfall from removing these levies,” he added.

The e-levy, introduced in 2022, initially charged 1.5 per cent on mobile money and electronic transactions before being reduced to 1 per cent.

It faced strong public opposition, with many arguing that it placed an extra burden on low-income earners and discouraged digital transactions. 

The betting tax, introduced in 2023, imposed a 10 per cent withholding tax on all betting, lottery, and gaming winnings.