The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed fears of declining government income following the removal of the E-Levy, COVID-19 levy, and betting tax, highlighting stronger-than-anticipated revenue performance in the opening months of 2026.

The recent figures challenge the notion that scrapping these levies would significantly weaken public finances, even as policymakers continue to explore alternative sources of revenue.

Addressing a forum hosted by the Centre for Policy Scrutiny, Elsie Appau Klu, Technical Advisor to the GRA’s Commissioner-General, acknowledged initial concerns over potential shortfalls. She noted that the abolition of the three levies was initially viewed as a setback that could pressure staff and revenue operations.

“Of course, at first glance, removing these taxes was assumed to be a loss for the government, and naturally, it placed some strain on our personnel,” she said.

However, Ms. Klu highlighted a notable recovery, revealing that first-quarter collections reached GHS33.7 billion—20% higher than the corresponding period last year.

The presentation followed insights from tax analyst Isaac Danso Agyiri, who urged a reconsideration of the scrapped levies, estimating that reinstating them could generate up to GHS18 billion by 2027.

“This is about the presidential directives dated 18 April 2024 on the recommendations of KPMG concerning the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services between the Government of Ghana acting per the Ministry of Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

“Following the directives of the President, GRA has undertaken a thorough review of the Consolidation of Services (Transaction Audit and External Verification Services) contract dated 3 October 2019, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Contract dated 3 October 2019, and the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services (Upstream and Minerals Audit) contract dated 25 October 2023,” the GRA letter read.

“Based on the review, the following actions are to be taken: First, The Transaction Audit and External Verification Services Contract will be terminated. Secondly, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Contract will be amended.