Ghana has introduced a new tax: here’s why you don’t need to worry


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WorldRemit Content Team

2 mins readUpdated
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What is the new Ghanaian electronic transaction tax?

On the 1st May 2022, the Ghanaian government implemented a 1.5% “E-Levy” (Electronic Levy) that will be applied to mobile money transactions and bank transfers within Ghana.

What this means for WorldRemit international money transfers

Your international money transfer send and receive amount will not change. The only change that might take place is if your recipient forwards the money they have received from you to another wallet or bank account in Ghana, the 1.5% E-Levy tax will then apply. Keep on reading to find out what type of transfers will be impacted by the levy.

Whilst this new tax won’t impact the amount that is sent or received, your receiver may want to take advantage of WorldRemit’s 2,000 cash payout locations in Ghana if they prefer.

What transfers will be impacted by the levy?

Any transfers to or from a mobile money account or bank account within Ghana will be subject to the levy. The following transfers will be impacted by the levy:

  • Mobile money transfers completed on wallets from the same electronic money issuer. For example, from a MTN Mobile Money account registered in Ghana to another MTN Mobile Money account in Ghana.

  • Mobile money transfers completed on different electronic money issuers. For instance, from a MTN mobile money account to a Vodafone mobile money account.

  • Bank accounts in Ghana to mobile money wallets

  • Mobile money wallets to bank accounts in Ghana

  • Bank transfers on instant pay digital platforms or apps, which originates from an individual’s bank account

What countries will be impacted by the levy?

The levy will apply to transfers made within Ghana only. International money transfers to Ghana from the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia or anywhere else, will not be subject to the levy.

What electronic mobile money issuers will be impacted by the levy?

The following entities will charge for the levy (for transfers made from an account registered in Ghana only):

  • Mobile money issuers such as MTN, MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, AirtelTigo, GCB G-Money, Zeepay and GDP App

  • Banks such as CBG (Consolidated Bank Ghana)

  • Payment Services Providers such as eTranzact

What transfers won't be impacted by the levy?

The levy won’t impact cumulative transfers of GHS 100 per day made by the same person, using mobile money. You will be able to send up to GHS 100 a day without paying the levy, or the equivalent of a 100 GHS in USD, GBP, AUD and CAD.

Will transfers from accounts owned by the same person attract the levy?

You will not be charged the E-levy if you are transferring money to an account that you also own, provided that your bank or mobile money accounts are linked with your Ghana Card.

Will tax payments attract the levy?

Tax payments, fees or charges made using the Ghana.gov platform or other Ghanaiain government systems will not attract the levy.

What other types of payments will be excluded from the levy?

  • Electronic clearing of checks

  • Specified merchant payments

  • Transfers between principal, agent and master-agent accounts

To find out more about the E-levy, head to our mobile money FAQ or the official government website.

DISCLAIMER : WorldRemit and its affiliates do not provide any financial, tax or legal advice. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for any financial, tax or legal advice. You should consult your own professional  advisers before engaging in any transaction.

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