E-levy & betting tax will be abolished in our first budget—Finance Minister-designate

The Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has pledged to abolish the betting tax and the E-levy in his first budget if confirmed.

Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, Dr. Forson argued that the current betting tax had failed to meet its objectives and should be eliminated.

“I insist that the betting tax must be abolished. As Finance Minister, I will remove it in my first budget because it has not worked,” he declared.

He emphasised that the tax has not generated the expected revenue and has instead placed unnecessary burdens on the sector without benefiting the broader economy.

Dr. Forson also reaffirmed his opposition to the controversial E-levy, stressing that his views on the levy remain unchanged.

“My stance on the E-levy is well known. I have written extensively about it, and it has not shifted,” he said.

He expressed concerns about the levy’s classification, describing it as neither a direct nor indirect tax, and questioned its effectiveness within the current fiscal framework.

The Finance Minister-designate is committed to working towards a more sustainable and efficient tax system that fosters economic growth while reducing unnecessary burdens on the public.