In a significant move aimed at fulfilling key promises made during his campaign, President John Dramani Mahama this morning assented to several crucial Bills that are set to reshape Ghana’s fiscal landscape. The new laws include the scrapping of the controversial Electronic Levy (E-Levy), the Betting Tax, and the Emissions Levy.
The president also signed Bills to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), and the Road Fund. These measures are expected to boost funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, sectors that have long been in need of financial support.
The scrapping of the E-Levy, which had been a source of intense debate, promises to ease the burden on Ghanaians, particularly those in the informal sector. The Betting Tax, which had been criticized for its potential to stifle the growing gambling industry, will also no longer apply, bringing relief to operators and customers alike. The Emissions Levy, designed to curb environmental damage, has now been removed, potentially sparking discussions on how to balance environmental concerns with economic growth.
The uncapping of GETFund, NHIL, and RoadFund signifies a commitment to addressing Ghana’s infrastructure and public service needs. These funds, previously limited in their growth, will now have the capacity to expand and provide more resources for critical national projects.
President Mahama, in a brief statement, emphasized that the measures reflect his government’s dedication to fulfilling promises made during the campaign. "This is a promise made and a promise kept. These reforms will bring immediate relief to Ghanaians and set the stage for long-term development," he said.
With these changes now officially enacted, attention will turn to the implementation process and the expected outcomes in terms of economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure improvements across the nation.
By : Isaac Fiifi Klotey Mensah