In a landmark decision, Parliament has approved a series of major tax amendments aimed at enhancing revenue collection, reducing financial burdens, and realigning key government funds to drive sustainable national development.
The passage of these bills represents a significant milestone in the government’s economic reform agenda, with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson championing the changes to create a fairer, more business-friendly tax system that promotes growth and compliance.
Key Tax Reforms: Relief for Businesses and Citizens
Among the most impactful changes is the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), which had faced widespread public backlash since its introduction. Its removal is expected to boost digital transactions, improve financial inclusion, and ease financial pressure on millions of Ghanaians.
The reforms also introduce major tax relief measures, including:
- Abolition of the 10% withholding tax on bet winnings and gaming, addressing concerns from the betting industry and players.
- Removal of the 1.5% withholding tax on unprocessed gold from small-scale miners, ensuring fairer taxation and supporting the local mining sector.
- Repeal of the Emissions Levy, reducing operational costs for businesses and aligning with Ghana’s green energy transition.
Parliament’s Approved Tax Amendments
The following bills were passed:
✅ Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025 – Eliminates the E-Levy to encourage digital financial transactions.
✅ Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Removes betting tax and small-scale gold mining tax.
✅ Emissions Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025 – Ends the carbon tax on businesses.
✅ Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Uncaps key statutory funds to boost education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
✅ Revenue Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Strengthens tax compliance and revenue collection.
✅ Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Adjusts levy rates to ensure fairer distribution of tax burdens.
✅ Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Secures long-term funding for infrastructure projects.
✅ Special Import Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Modifies import taxation to support trade.
Uncapping Statutory Funds to Boost Development
One of the most transformative aspects of these reforms is the removal of spending caps on essential government funds. This move ensures that sectors critical to national development receive their full budgetary allocations.
🔹 Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) – Guarantees funding for Free SHS and tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities.
🔹 National Health Insurance Levy – Provides extra resources for essential medicines, vaccines, and Free Primary Healthcare.
🔹 Road Fund – Secures full funding for road repairs and infrastructure improvements.
🔹 Mineral Income Investment Fund & Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund – Strengthens long-term financial sustainability for national projects.
What Happens Next?
With Parliament’s approval, these amendments now await President John Dramani Mahama’s assent, paving the way for immediate implementation.
These reforms signal a new era of fiscal responsibility, economic expansion, and tax fairness, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development and improved public service delivery.
This policy shift is not just about taxation—it is about reshaping Ghana’s economic future for the better.
