With the controversial E-Levy now scrapped, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) isn’t wasting any time. The tax authority has summoned electronic money issuers to the table, demanding a clear roadmap for the levy’s smooth exit. As fintech players and mobile money operators brace for the shift, all eyes are on how the GRA plans to recoup lost revenue while keeping Ghana’s booming digital payments sector thriving.
The GRA and EMI Chamber will meet Friday to finalize the technical and logistical steps for ceasing the E-Levy, ensuring a smooth transition following its repeal, which fulfills President Mahama’s campaign promise and boosts digital transactions.
Following the repeal of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) by Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMI) Chamber are set to meet tomorrow, Friday to finalize the modalities for ceasing the levy’s implementation.
Chairman of the EMI Chamber, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, says the GRA has already reached out to the EMIs, and a meeting has been scheduled to chart the implementation path for scrapping one of Ghana’s most controversial levies.
Speaking to Accra Weekly News, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, was quick to add that before the implementation begins, President John Dramani Mahama will have to assent to the repealed bill to pave way for the ceasure of the levy.
He further disclosed to Accra Weekly News that the Friday meeting is expected to iron out the logistical and technical processes required to ensure a seamless transition. Key discussions will center on adjusting payment platforms and communicating changes effectively to stakeholders and customers.
“The president will have to assent to this particular bill that has been passed. And then already the GRA has already reached out to operators. And so we are going to be meeting with the GRA on Friday, you know, to look at the modalities that you have to go through. We are going to discuss how we’re going to implement all of this. Because there’s some technical work that has to be done,” Dr. Ken Ashigbey indicated.
The Chairman of the EMI Chamber further promised that his outfit is committed to collaborating with all other stakeholders to fast-track the implementation of the repeal so that Ghanaians can get some respite from the levy.
“We will try and work as quickly as possible to make sure that we can operationalise this to the benefit of our customers and the citizenry of the country,” he indicated.
The repeal of the E-Levy, which was a major campaign promise by President Mahama, marks a significant shift in Ghana’s digital financial landscape. The levy, introduced to generate revenue from electronic transactions, had faced public resistance since its inception.
Already, players in the sector are predicting that the move could lead to increased adoption of digital transactions, as concerns over additional costs on mobile money and other electronic transfers are alleviated.
With the GRA and EMI Chamber set to finalize the necessary steps, all eyes are on Friday’s meeting to determine how soon customers will feel the impact of the repeal. Industry players are optimistic that swift implementation will restore confidence in Ghana’s digital payment systems and drive economic activity in the sector.
The EMI Chamber is an institution that seeks to influence policies for a better digital financial space, has been launched in Accra. It was carved out of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and now represents giants in the digital financial space such as AT Money, G- Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash, and Zeepay Mobile.
Last Updated on April 20, 2025 by samboadu
