In a bid to address the concerns of the youth and respond to criticisms from various quarters, John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to undertake a comprehensive review of taxes, including the controversial 10% tax on sports betting, if elected president in 2024.
The 10% withholding tax on all betting, games, and lottery wins was implemented by the Ghana Revenue Authority in August earlier this year, following the government’s decision to amend the Tax Act. This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some Ghanaians criticising it and others viewing it as a strategic measure to discourage youth participation in betting activities.
As part of his “Building Ghana Tour” in the Bono East region, John Mahama engaged with the youth at Techiman Timber Market and Techiman Magazine. During this interaction, Mahama acknowledged the concerns raised by the youth regarding the taxation of sports betting.
“I’ve heard so many of the youth talk about sports betting. It is not just about taxes on betting; when we come to government, we will look at the number of taxes imposed by the current government,” Mahama assured the crowd.
The promise to review the tax on sports betting is part of a broader commitment by Mahama to evaluate and potentially reduce the tax burden imposed by the current administration.
The betting industry in Ghana has witnessed significant growth in the past decade, attracting numerous betting companies to establish a presence in the country. Mahama’s pledge aims to strike a balance between revenue generation and addressing the concerns of the youth involved in sports betting activities.
The candidates in the spotlight for the upcoming elections include Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen representing the newly established Movement for Change, and Dr. Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC) among others.
As reported by 3xtra.tv, Dr. Ayariga underscored the importance of job creation for the youth during a recent interview with 3 FM. He expressed the view that generating employment opportunities for young people is essential to steer them away from sports betting, which he characterised as a pursuit for the indolent. Dr. Ayariga went on to assert that, if elected president, he would move to cancel sports betting in a bid to address what he perceives as a venture appealing to those lacking initiative.