The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB), John Awuah, has signaled that the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) could make a comeback as Ghana deepens its shift toward a digital financial system.

In an interview with Kwasi Afriyie on Metro TV, Awuah noted the global momentum behind digitalisation and suggested that governments—including Ghana’s—may reconsider policies like the E-Levy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation.

“Digitalisation has taken over every economy in the world,” Awuah said. “Given the direction we’re heading, I believe the E-Levy might return in the future.”

While refraining from endorsing or opposing the levy outright, Awuah highlighted its potential relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where traditional tax models may struggle to keep pace with economic activity.

Background: Controversial Tax on Digital Transactions
The E-Levy, introduced in 2022, sought to tax electronic financial transactions such as mobile money transfers. However, it was met with significant public backlash, with critics arguing that it could discourage digital payments, burden low-income users, and undermine financial inclusion.

Facing sustained resistance and a national policy review, the government ultimately suspended the levy.

Awuah’s remarks, however, suggest that the conversation around innovative digital taxation is far from over. As Ghana’s digital economy grows, the state may be forced to reassess how it captures revenue from online financial activity.