The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially abolished the 1% Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) following President John Dramani Mahama’s assent to the repeal on April 2, 2025. Effective immediately, all financial institutions and payment platforms have been directed to cease applying the levy and to process refunds for any deductions made on April 2, 2025. 
Edward Apenteng Gyamerah, Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, issued a directive stating that all charging entities must reconfigure their systems to reflect a “no charge” on transactions. The GRA’s Electronic Transfer Levy Management and Assurance System (ELMAS) will automatically return a “no charge” on all transactions posted by entities from midnight of April 2. Entities found still applying the levy or failing to refund customers will face sanctions per the law.
Financial institutions and mobile money operators are required to initiate immediate refunds to customers who were charged the 1% levy beyond the official abolition date. Entities must establish an expedited refund process and maintain proper documentation of all refunds processed. Additionally, detailed reports of refunds processed must be submitted to the GRA.
The abolition of the E-Levy aligns with the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on Ghanaians and supporting economic recovery. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the removal of several taxes, including the E-Levy and the 10% tax on betting winnings, during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on March 11, 2025.
Ghanaians who experienced E-Levy deductions on April 2 are advised to monitor their accounts for refunds and contact their respective financial institutions or payment platforms for any discrepancies.
As of April 3, 2025, there is no public evidence indicating that MTN Ghana is refusing to comply with the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) directive to cease Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) charges and process refunds for deductions made on April 2, 2025.
However, MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, has stated that the removal of the E-Levy cannot take immediate effect, as it requires regulatory approval.
