President John Dramani Mahama has justified the abolition of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy), describing it as a move to accelerate the growth of digital financial services in Ghana.
The E-levy, which charged a 1% tax on transactions made through electronic platforms, was officially repealed on April 2, 2025.
Its removal has generated mixed reactions across the country, with critics pointing to the revenue it previously generated for the government.
However, proponents argue that it posed a barrier to the adoption of digital payment systems, particularly among the informal sector and low-income earners.
Addressing the Czech-Ghana Business Cooperation Seminar at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra, on Wednesday, April 9, President Mahama outlined his vision for a 24-hour economy, aimed at driving economic growth through strategic collaborations.
He emphasized that sectors such as digital finance would play a critical role in facilitating partnerships between Ghanaian and Czech businesses.
He noted that the country is currently undergoing a significant digital transformation, and the repeal of the levy, along with other tax reforms, would support wider access to financial services and inclusion, especially for underserved communities. The president’s stance on the E-levy aligns with his broader economic agenda, which prioritizes creating an enabling environment for digital innovation and financial accessibility in Ghana.
The Czech-Ghana Business Cooperation Seminar brought together stakeholders from both countries to explore investment opportunities and enhance bilateral trade relations, with a focus on innovation, technology, and economic development.
