Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has voiced his displeasure against the practice of betting by Ghanaian citizens.
He argues that betting does not encourage handwork as it is mainly dependent on luck.
Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based Angel FM on Thursday, the Suame MP likened betting to robbery, as both activities require chances for success.
“I don’t believe in betting. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work and sweating to get money. Let’s be serious. As for me, I’m against betting coming into the country.
“They say it is work,” the host stated. But in a sharp rebuttal, the Majority leader said “if you put it that way, robbery is also a work.”
“I am not happy with it. It does not encourage hard work,” he added.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s comment has not been well-received by some Ghanaians on social media.
Some tweeps argued that should government have provided more jobs and created an enabling environment for job opportunities, many of the youths would not be engaged in betting.
Starting from August 15, 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is set to implement a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings. This change comes as a replacement for the previous 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate applied to each stake. Under the new policy, the withholding tax will be levied on the earnings obtained after each winning occasion.
The rationale behind this adjustment, according to the GRA, stems from an amendment to the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), specifically Act 1094.
Edward Gyamerah, a Commissioner within the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA, emphasized that strict measures will be taken against any gaming entity that chooses to ignore this updated policy. Such non-compliant companies could face penalties, including the possibility of having their licenses revoked.