The Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has made a commitment to eliminate the betting tax and the e-levy in his upcoming budget proposal.
During his appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, Dr. Forson presented his case for abolishing the current betting tax, stating that it has not been effective in achieving its desired goals.
“I insist that the betting tax must be abolished, and as Finance Minister, I will abolish it in my first budget because it has failed,” Dr. Forson declared.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the tax had not generated the anticipated revenue and had instead imposed a burden on the sector without benefiting the overall economy.
Furthermore, Dr. Forson reaffirmed his unwavering stance on the contentious e-levy, stating that his position on the issue remained unchanged.
“My position on the e-levy is well known. I have written articles about it, and my position has not changed,” he stated. He raised concerns about the classification of the levy, calling it neither a direct nor an indirect tax. “I don’t know how to classify it,” he added, questioning its efficacy in the current fiscal system.
The Finance Minister-designate emphasised that he would work towards a more sustainable and effective tax regime that fosters economic growth while relieving unnecessary burdens on the public.
