Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged Ghanaians to disregard the 24-hour economy proposal put forth by John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to him, the former president lacks an understanding of what a 24-hour economy entails, and voters should not support him in the 2024 general elections. Bawumia highlighted that the country already practices a 24-hour system in various sectors, including hospitals, fuel companies, and more.
“John Mahama says he has a new idea. What is the idea? He says he wants a 24-hour economy. He doesn’t even understand that policy. Today in Ghana, our hospitals work 24 hours, our electricity company works 24 hours, our water company works 24 hours, our fuel stations work 24 hours, and many chop bars work 24 hours. Today because of digitalization, you can transfer money 24 hours, you can receive money 24 hours… So he doesn’t understand his policy. It doesn’t make sense,” stated Vice President Bawumia.
He encouraged voters to choose him in 2024, promising a new vision and policy for the future. Bawumia asserted that Mahama represents the past, and he envisions a brighter future for the country.
In a related context, John Mahama, during his “Building Ghana Tour” in the Bono East region, expressed his intention to review the 10% bet tax if he emerges victorious in the 2024 general elections.
“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 stated.
On August 15, 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority officially implemented a 10% withholding tax on all betting, games, and lottery wins. This decision followed the government’s amendment to the Tax Act, introducing withholding tax on winnings from sports betting and lottery.