The introduction of a new charge by MTN Ghana on Mobile Money (MoMo) transfers from wallets to bank accounts has sparked renewed public concern, with many users questioning whether the government is quietly reintroducing the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) through another route.
Beginning June 1, 2026, customers transferring money from their MoMo wallets into bank accounts will pay a fee of 0.75 percent per transaction, capped at GHS 5.
In a text message sent to subscribers on Monday, MTN stated: “From 1 June 2026, transfers from your MoMo Wallet to bank accounts will attract a fee of 0.75% per transaction, capped at GHS 5.”
The telecom giant explained that the move “will help us continue to serve you better.”
However, the announcement has immediately reignited memories of the E-Levy policy, which generated intense national debate and public resistance when it was first introduced by the government on electronic transactions.
Although MTN has not linked the new charge to government taxation, many Ghanaians on social media have begun drawing comparisons between the two, arguing that the fee effectively places an additional financial burden on digital transactions, particularly for ordinary users and small businesses.
Critics say the timing and structure of the charge resemble the unpopular E-Levy model, where users paid a percentage-based deduction on electronic transfers.
“This looks like E-Levy through the back door,” some users wrote online shortly after the announcement.
Others fear the new charge could discourage the use of digital financial services and undermine efforts to deepen financial inclusion, especially among low-income earners who rely heavily on MoMo for daily transactions, salary payments, and business operations.
Industry analysts say while telecom operators are permitted to review service charges, the public sensitivity surrounding electronic transfer deductions means any new fee structure is likely to face scrutiny.
The development is expected to trigger fresh debate over the cost of digital transactions in Ghana, particularly at a time when many consumers are already grappling with high living costs and banking charges.
For now, neither the government nor financial regulators have publicly commented on whether the new MTN charge has any policy connection to the previously contested E-Levy framework.
