We will eliminate the betting tax and e-levy in our first budget. - Ato Forson

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister-designate, has promised to repeal the E-levy and the betting tax in his first budget if elected. In a speech to Parliament's Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, Dr. Forson argued that the current betting tax should be repealed since it has failed to achieve its goals.

"I demand that the betting tax be eliminated, and since it hasn't worked, I will do so in my first budget as Finance Minister," Dr. Forson announced. He stressed that rather than collecting the promised revenue, the tax harmed the industry without benefiting the general economy. Furthermore, Dr. Forson reiterated his hard stance on the contentious E-levy, stressing that it has not changed.

"My stance on the e-levy is widely recognized. My stance has not changed, and I have written articles about it," he stated. He was critical of the levy's categorization as neither a direct nor indirect tax. He went on to say, "I don't know how to classify it," raising concerns about its usefulness under the current budgetary framework. The Finance Minister-designate stated that he will work for a more efficient and sustainable tax structure that encourages economic growth and relieves the people of unnecessary charges.