MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, has addressed the public’s anticipation regarding the scrapping of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), clarifying that its immediate abolition cannot happen without undergoing the proper regulatory approval process.
This statement came in light of President John Dramani Mahama’s recent assent to legislative bills aimed at scrapping several taxes, including the controversial E-Levy, Betting Tax, and Emissions Tax.
During a press interaction at MTN House in Accra on April 2, 2025, Blewett acknowledged the public’s hopes for the levy’s removal but emphasized the necessity of following the formal procedure before implementing any changes.
“There is a process that has to be followed. I can’t abolish E-Levy until I’m told to do it. If I do it ahead of time, the Bank of Ghana will catch me,” Blewett explained.
His comment underscores the stringent regulatory framework within which telecom operators like MTN must operate, especially in relation to changes in tax policies.
Despite the government’s signals of intent to remove the levy, Blewett made it clear that telecom companies are legally bound to wait for official directives before making any changes.
He reiterated that MTN, as a corporate entity, must comply with all legal procedures to ensure they avoid potential penalties or breaches of law.
While providing clarity on the procedural requirements, Blewett also touched on the broader impact of the E-Levy.
He recognized the levy’s negative effect on mobile money transactions and expressed hope that its removal would breathe new life into the sector.
“The reason for the abolishment of E-Levy is to encourage momentum in mobile money,” he said, alluding to the government’s efforts to support digital transactions and enhance financial inclusion in the country.
Since its introduction in 2022 at a rate of 1.75%, and subsequent reduction to 1%, the E-Levy has been heavily criticized.
The tax, which applied to electronic transactions such as mobile money payments, bank transfers, and inward remittances, was seen by many as an additional financial burden on citizens.
Critics argued that it deterred people from embracing digital transactions, which the government had been promoting as a way to enhance financial inclusion.
Blewett shared his optimism about the potential benefits of the E-Levy’s removal, especially in rejuvenating the mobile money ecosystem.
“Once it’s gone, mobile money will regain its strength,” he assured, emphasizing that MTN will only act once they receive the official green light from the relevant authorities.
The E-Levy has been one of the most contentious fiscal policies in Ghana in recent years, with a significant portion of the public expressing dissatisfaction with the tax.
The government’s decision to propose its removal reflects growing pressure to reduce the financial strain on the populace and encourage the adoption of mobile and digital payments.
-BY Issah Olegor
