GRA did not reintroduce E-Levy after 2025 repeal
Ghana's Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) has not been reintroduced, contrary to recent claims. A 0.75% charge by MTN Ghana for Mobilemoney to bank transfers was a commercial service fee, not a government tax. The Bank of Ghana directed MTN to pause the implementation, reinforcing that the E-Levy was repealed in April 2025, removing the tax on electronic transfers.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has not reintroduced the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), contrary to a claim by an Angel FM presenter. The tax was formally repealed in April 2025 by presidential assent.
The false claim stemmed from an announcement by MTN Ghana regarding a 0.75% service charge for Mobilemoney (MoMo) transfers to bank accounts. This fee was a commercial charge by a private telecom company, not a government tax. The Bank of Ghana subsequently directed MTN's Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL) to pause its implementation of this fee.
This clarification is crucial for Ghana's financial stability and public trust in taxation policies. The E-Levy, originally introduced in May 2022 at 1.75% and later reduced to 1%, was a significant revenue mobilization tool. Its repeal by President John Mahama in April 2025 marked a shift in government policy regarding digital transaction taxation. The current incident highlights ongoing public sensitivity to changes in electronic transaction costs.
GhanaFact, a reputable fact-checking organization, investigated the presenter's claim and found it false. Their investigation confirmed the 0.75% charge was a private initiative by MTN Ghana, not a directive from the GRA. There was no evidence of the GRA issuing any instruction for a new charge on MobileMoney transactions.
The Bank of Ghana's swift intervention underscores its role in consumer protection and market regulation. The directive for MMFL to pause the fee ensures that changes to mobile financial service charges are fair. This move aims to protect consumers and support their financial well-being within the digital economy. Stakeholders will closely monitor future developments concerning service fees in the mobile money sector to ensure transparency and consumer interest.
Derek Laryea, a technology consultant, further clarified the distinction between a government tax and a private commercial fee. Mr. Laryea explained that the E-Levy was a mandatory state-imposed tax for public revenue. He stated the MTN charge, however, was a commercial service fee for facilitating a transaction, akin to bank transfer charges. This fundamental difference means the two cannot be compared directly.
The E-Levy was established under Act 1075 to generate revenue from Ghana's growing digital economy. It initially applied a 1.75% rate on transactions exceeding GHS 100 daily. This rate was later reduced to 1% in January 2023. Its complete repeal in April 2025 means electronic transfers are now exempt from this specific tax burden. This regulatory environment is critical for fostering digital financial inclusion in Ghana.
The incident serves as a reminder for media practitioners to verify financial claims rigorously before broadcasting them. Misinformation can cause unnecessary public alarm and erode confidence in financial institutions. Accurate reporting on economic matters is vital for Ghana's ongoing economic development and stability.
Source: StatsGH — Ghana's data-driven news platform