In late May 2026, a planned MTN fee on MoMo-to-bank transfers set off a wave of anger, viral claims that “the E-Levy is back”, and a quick intervention from the Bank of Ghana. Here is what happened, in order.
Timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 25 May 2026 (evening) | MTN tells MoMo users by SMS that from 1 June 2026, transfers from MoMo wallets to bank accounts will cost 0.75% per transaction, capped at GH₵5. |
| 26 May 2026 | The Bank of Ghana directs Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MTN’s MoMo company) to pause the fee for broader consultation on its impact on users and financial inclusion. |
| 26 May 2026 | A radio presenter claims “GRA has brought E-Levy back”; GhanaFact later rates this false. |
| 1 June 2026 | The date the fee was meant to start. |
What it would have cost
| Transfer | 0.75% fee |
|---|---|
| GH₵100 | GH₵0.75 |
| GH₵300 | GH₵2.25 |
| GH₵500 | GH₵3.75 |
| GH₵1,000 | GH₵5 (cap) |
| GH₵5,000 | GH₵5 (cap) |
Graphic Online noted the fee would have applied even when the bank account belonged to the same person who owned the wallet, ending free transfers between your own MoMo and bank account.
Why people were upset
- Many people use MoMo-to-bank transfers to move savings and salaries.
- Coming after the E-Levy repeal, it felt like a tax returning by another name.
- Small businesses move money between MoMo and bank accounts many times a month.
Where it stands
The latest reporting we found says the fee was paused on the Bank of Ghana’s directive, with no confirmed restart date. Before you transfer, check the fee shown on the confirmation screen; it is the final word.
Ways to keep costs down
- Pay merchants and bills directly from MoMo instead of moving money to the bank first.
- Batch transfers instead of many small ones, if a capped fee ever applies.
- Compare with bank-to-MoMo and your bank’s own app.
More: is the E-Levy back? (no), mobile money charges in Ghana and how to link your bank account to MoMo.
This explainer reflects reporting up to October 2026. We will update it when there is official news.
This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.
Common questions
What was the MTN 0.75% fee?
A planned fee on transfers from MTN MoMo wallets to bank accounts: 0.75% per transaction, capped at GH₵5, announced on 25 May 2026.
Is the fee in force?
The Bank of Ghana directed MTN’s mobile money company to pause it on 26 May 2026 for consultation. Check the confirmation screen for any fee before you send.
Was it a government tax?
No. It was MTN’s own charge. Fact-checkers confirmed it was not a GRA tax or the E-Levy.
How much would it have cost?
0.75% of the amount, up to a maximum of GH₵5. Transfers of about GH₵667 or more would have hit the GH₵5 cap.
Sources
- Citi Newsroom: MoMo-to-bank transfers to attract 0.75% fee from June 1 (May 2026)
- Graphic Online: MTN MoMo to bank transfers will attract charges from June 1, 2026
- TechLabari: Ghana’s MoMo fee controversy, what you need to know (29 May 2026)
- GhanaFact: Angel FM presenter’s claim that GRA reintroduced E-Levy is false (1 June 2026)
- YEN: Ghanaians react to MTN’s 0.75% charges on MoMo-to-bank transfers
