The Member of Parliament for Effia Constituency in the Western Region, Mr Isaac Boamah Nyarko, has advised the government to review and restructure the E-Levy to finance the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy rather than scrapping the tax entirely.

Speaking on Accra-based CTV’s OMAN GHANA NKUSUO morning show, hosted by Yaa Titi Okrah, the MP discussed the implications of cancelling certain taxes introduced by the previous administration, including the Betting Tax, E-Levy, COVID-19 Levy, and some port duties.

According to Boamah Nyarko, it has become a common trend in Ghanaian politics for leaders to promise tax cuts during election campaigns, only to face revenue shortfalls when in power.

This, he explained, often leads to deficit financing, which eventually forces governments to introduce new taxes, putting pressure on the citizenry.

Given the current economic challenges, the MP emphasized the need for sustainable revenue generation to support key government initiatives such as Free SHS, free tuition for first-year tertiary students, and infrastructure projects.

He, therefore, suggested that instead of abolishing the E-Levy, the government should restructure it to better serve as a tool for funding critical programmes.

 Nyarko further explained that when the E-Levy was introduced under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, it was done out of necessity to boost domestic revenue.

He noted that in 2024 alone, the tax generated over GH¢2 billion, which, in his view, proves its potential as a significant revenue source for government operations.

He concluded by urging the government to carefully reconsider the role of E-Levy in Ghana’s revenue mobilization strategy, stressing that completely scrapping the tax could negatively impact government finances and essential social programmes.