The Finance Minister-designate, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has vowed to abolish the betting tax and the e-levy in his first budget. 

Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, Dr Forson argued that the current betting tax has failed to achieve its intended objectives and should be scrapped.

“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. 

He stressed that the tax had not produced the expected revenue and had instead burdened the sector without benefiting the broader economy.

Dr Forson also reiterated his strong stance on the controversial e-levy, saying his position on the matter had not changed. 

“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.