Former President John Dramani Mahama recently expressed his commitment to reassess certain taxes, including the 10% tax on sports betting, should he be elected as president in 2024.
Addressing the youth during his “Building Ghana Tour” in the Bono East region, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer voiced his concern about what he perceives as an excessive tax burden imposed by the Akufo-Addo government on the people of Ghana. Mahama specifically highlighted this issue while engaging with the youth at Techiman Timber Market and the Techiman Magazine.
Taxes on betting will be among taxes I will review when voted to power. – John Mahama #ElectionHQ pic.twitter.com/KHwEHu831w
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) November 20, 2023
Many young people are talking about sports betting, and it’s not just about the taxes involved. John Dramani Mahama expressed this sentiment, stating, “When we come into government, we will thoroughly review the multitude of taxes imposed by the current administration.”
On August 15, 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority officially introduced a 10% withholding tax on all betting, games, and lottery wins. This move came after the government amended the Tax Act, incorporating withholding tax on winnings from sports betting and lottery.
The decision has faced criticism from some Ghanaians, with social media becoming a platform for expressing discontent. Despite this, the betting industry in Ghana has experienced significant growth in the last decade, attracting numerous betting companies to establish a presence in the country.
In recent years, sports betting has sparked debates among Ghanaians, with some emphasizing its negative impact on the youth, citing concerns about addiction. On the other hand, there are those who view betting as a legal and legitimate means of making money, contending that it cannot be labeled as a negative practice when no laws are violated.
