President John Dramani Mahama is receiving widespread praise from residents of the Krachi West Municipality in the Oti Region for fulfilling a major campaign promise made during the 2024 general elections.
During his campaign as the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Mahama pledged to abolish several taxes, including the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) and betting tax, which many Ghanaians described as a significant financial burden.
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was met with nationwide criticism and disappointment due to its impact on electronic transactions and small businesses.
True to his word, President Mahama, on April 2, 2025, signed into law a suite of legislative bills passed by Parliament to officially abolish the E-Levy, betting tax, emissions levy, income tax increases, and other levies. This move has been hailed as a significant step toward easing the financial strain on citizens.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), several residents of Kete-Krachi commended the President for honouring his promise.
Mr. Twumasi Emmanuel, a small-scale businessman, expressed relief over the decision, “We suffered a lot under the E-Levy, which almost collapsed our businesses. But we thank God and President Mahama for scrapping it.
“President Mahama has shown real commitment to reducing our financial burden. This is the change we voted for,” he said.
Another resident also shared his excitement: “We are grateful to Mahama for the relief he has given us. This is the moment we were waiting for. He has proven to be a committed leader. If for nothing at all, the abolishment of the E-Levy and betting tax is enough reason to celebrate him.”
Further checks by GNA revealed that many residents across the municipality and its surroundings are happy with the decision, describing it as a timely intervention that has restored public confidence and brought economic relief.
The E-Levy had imposed a 1 per cent charge on electronic transactions, including mobile money and online payments, while the betting tax levied a 10% charge on gross gambling winnings.
With these taxes now scrapped, many Ghanaians feel a renewed sense of hope and economic freedom under the Mahama-led administration.
Residents have commended President Mahama for his steadfastness and dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians through policy decisions that prioritize their welfare.
