Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB), John Awuah
The Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB), John Awuah, has hinted at the potential reintroduction of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), citing the global shift toward digital financial systems.
Mr. Awuah noted that as economies worldwide increasingly adopt digital platforms for financial transactions, governments may revisit policies like the E-Levy to boost domestic revenue generation.
“Digitalisation has taken over every economy in the world,” he said. “Based on the direction we are headed, I believe the E-Levy might come back in the future,” he said.
While stopping short of taking a firm stance for or against the levy, Mr. Awuah emphasized its potential relevance in an era where traditional tax systems may no longer meet revenue needs.
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, imposed a tax on electronic transactions, including mobile money transfers. It faced widespread public criticism due to fears it would discourage digital payments and hinder financial inclusion. Amid ongoing resistance and policy review, the government suspended the levy.
Mr. Awuah’s comments suggest that as Ghana’s digital economy expands, discussions about innovative taxation mechanisms like the E-Levy may reemerge on the national agenda.
He made these remarks during an interview with Kwasi Afriyie on Good Afternoon Ghana on Metro TV.
