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Tag: betting tax

  • Parliament abolishes emission levy, betting tax

    Parliament abolishes emission levy, betting tax

    Parliament has passed a groundbreaking bill to eliminate the Emission Levy and Betting Tax, a decision that is expected to ease financial pressures on businesses, individuals, and key industry stakeholders.

    The Emission Levy, introduced in 2024 to promote environmental sustainability by curbing carbon emissions, faced strong resistance from vehicle owners and businesses, who viewed it as an excessive financial burden.

    Likewise, the controversial 10% tax on betting winnings, which was implemented to generate revenue from the growing gambling industry, has been scrapped.

    Although the tax aimed to boost government earnings, it was widely criticized for discouraging participation and reducing profits for betting operators.

    The removal of these taxes is anticipated to reshape the tax structure for both businesses and individuals, potentially affecting income brackets, corporate tax rates, and deductions.

    Having cleared all legislative processes, the bill now awaits President John Dramani Mahama’s approval to be officially enacted into law.

    About the two taxes

    The Emission Levy and Betting Tax were both introduced under the administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party in 2023. The Emission Levy was enacted through the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) and aimed to tax carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, as well as internal combustion engine vehicles. It officially took effect on February 1, 2024.

    However, critics argued that it lacked transparency in the allocation of funds and placed an undue financial burden on businesses and individuals. It faced significant opposition from transport operators and industry players, who viewed it as double taxation. In the 2025 Budget presented on March 11, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced plans to repeal the levy.

    Also, the Betting Tax was introduced as a 10% withholding tax on lottery, gaming, and betting winnings. It was implemented in August 2023 under the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1094). The tax aimed to regulate the growing betting industry and increase government revenue. While it sought to generate funds, it was widely criticized for disproportionately affecting young people and low-income earners who relied on betting as a source of income. During the 2024 election campaign, the National Democratic Congress pledged to remove nuisance taxes, including the Betting Tax.

    As part of their promise, the 2025 Budget proposed its repeal, and Parliament voted to abolish the tax yesterday March 26, 2025. Both taxes were repealed as part of the Mahama-led government’s broader strategy to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaians and stimulate economic growth.

  • Finance Minister lays bill to abolish e-levy, betting tax

    Finance Minister lays bill to abolish e-levy, betting tax

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has laid before Parliament a bill to abolish several taxes, including the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), the COVID-19 Levy, and the 10% tax on lottery winnings, commonly referred to as the betting tax.

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson earlier emphasized the need for a swift legislative process to abolish the taxes.

    He expressed confidence that repealing these taxes would be straightforward due to their simplicity.

    “Repealing the taxes will be one clause each. Repealing the betting tax is very easy, the e-levy and all of those things we are repealing are quite easy,” he added.

    The Finance Minister explained that since the bills fall under revenue legislation, they qualify to be laid before Parliament under a certificate of urgency.

    “It’s a revenue bill, and under the Constitution, you have any way to lay finance bills under a certificate of urgency,” he explained.

    The proposal to eliminate these taxes aligns with the Mahama-led government’s commitment to scrapping what it describes as “nuisance taxes” implemented by the previous Akufo-Addo administration.

    While presenting the 2025 Budget Statement to Parliament on March 11, Dr. Forson officially announced the plan to repeal multiple taxes.

    “Mr. Speaker, we will abolish the 10% withholding tax on winnings from lotteries, otherwise known as the ‘betting tax.’ We will abolish the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) of 1%. We will abolish the emission levy on industries and vehicles. We will abolish the VAT on motor vehicle insurance policies. And we will abolish the 1.5% withholding tax on the sale of unprocessed gold by small-scale miners,” he stated.

    He noted that these tax removals aim to alleviate financial burdens on households while boosting business growth and improving tax compliance.

    “…the removal of these taxes will ease the burden on households and improve their disposable incomes. In addition, it will support business growth and improve tax compliance,” he added.

    So far, the government has announced the removal of six taxes: the 10% betting tax, the 1% E-Levy, the emission levy on industries, VAT on motor insurance, the 1.5% withholding tax on unprocessed gold sales, and the COVID-19 levy. These tax repeals will take effect once the 2025 budget is passed by Parliament.

    Despite the anticipated relief for individuals and businesses, some experts and analysts have raised concerns about the potential impact on Ghana’s already struggling economy. In response, the government has outlined measures to mitigate the revenue shortfall, including adjustments to the tax refund ceiling.

    “Mr. Speaker, by reducing the ceiling on the tax refund from 6% to 4%, we will save GH¢3.8 billion. This amount is enough to close the revenue shortfall from the removal of the E-Levy, amounting to GH¢1.9 billion, and the betting tax of GH¢180 million,” Dr. Forson stated.

    Meanwhile, government revenue reports indicate that by the end of 2024, approximately GH¢6.4 billion had been collected from the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, GH¢246.9 million from the E-Levy, and about GH¢120 million from other levies.

    The fate of the proposed tax abolitions now rests with Parliament, as the government pushes for an expedited legislative process to implement these changes.

  • “I apologise to the youth” – Patrick Boamah to Ghanaians over fmr. Finance Minister’s betting tax comments

    “I apologise to the youth” – Patrick Boamah to Ghanaians over fmr. Finance Minister’s betting tax comments

    Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has apologized to the public after former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam’s statement about the previous government not implementing the betting tax sparked controversy.

    He clarified that the minister’s remarks were misunderstood due to a communication issue, which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) intends to address soon.

    Speaking in an interview with Lawson TV, Boamah stressed that the former minister did not make a mistake but that the way the message was conveyed led to confusion.

    “There is an issue, and we will delve into it by explaining our position. I don’t speak for him, but I believe there was a communication gap, which I hope he will address in his engagement with the press. I apologise to the youth for the miscommunication.

    “We have betting, casinos, football bets, and more. The 10% withholding tax on gaming, often referred to as the betting tax, exists. However, the tax on winnings, which Amin Adam sought to explain, was never implemented,” he said.

    Background

    During the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement on March 11, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the 10% tax on bet winnings would be removed, pending approval from Parliament.

    However, Dr. Amin Adam later spoke to the media in Parliament, accusing the government of misleading the public by claiming to remove a tax that was never actually enforced.

    “Ladies and Gentlemen, the betting tax that they said they had abolished, we never collected. We never implemented the betting tax, so to come and tell Ghanaians that you have abolished something that was never implemented is to deceive the people of Ghana,” he stated.

  • NPP gov’t collected GHC80m from 10% betting tax – Ato Forson

    NPP gov’t collected GHC80m from 10% betting tax – Ato Forson

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has refuted claims that the previous NPP government did not enforce the 10% withholding tax on betting winnings.

    During the presentation of the 2025 budget on Tuesday, Dr. Forson announced the removal of several taxes, including the 10% betting tax.

    However, shortly after his speech, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam argued that the NPP administration never implemented the tax.

    “Betting tax that they said they have abolished, we never collected Betting Tax. So to come and tell Ghanaians that you have abolished something that you have not implemented, is to deceive the people of Ghana.”

    In a swift response, the Dr. Ato Forson who appeared on PM Express on the JoyNews channel, debunked those claims on Tuesday night.

    ”I don’t think he is on top of that matter because my checks reveal that it was implemented in the second half of 2024. My checks also reveal that year to date, government of Ghana has collected GH₵ 80 million from the betting tax. So I don’t know what he is talking about. It is not the fact,” he concluded.

    In September 2023, Edward Gyambra from the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the GRA revealed that the authority collected GH₵15 million each month from betting taxes. He added that by the end of the football season, this amount could increase to GH₵60 million.

    ”During the first month of implementation, we averaged GH¢20 million for the GGR. As for the withholding tax, we’ve just started the betting season, but during the lean season, we averaged GH¢15 million. We anticipate this to quadruple by May,” he concluded.

    By September 2024, the GRA projected to receive GH₵ 1.2 billion ($78.4 million) in betting taxes.

  • Stop the gaslighting! – Bridget Otoo to NPP over betting tax denial

    Stop the gaslighting! – Bridget Otoo to NPP over betting tax denial

    Ghanaian media personality Bridget Otoo has strongly criticized the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over their denial of implementing the betting tax, which the current government has announced will be scrapped.

    Her reaction follows a press conference by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, who refuted claims that the NPP government had enforced the 10% withholding tax on betting earnings.

    Speaking to the press, Dr. Amin Adam stated, “Betting tax, which they said they have abolished, we never collected betting tax. So, to come and tell Ghanaians that you have abolished something that you have not implemented is to deceive the people of Ghana.”

    However, Bridget Otoo was not convinced by his statement. Taking to social media, she slammed the party’s leadership, calling them dishonest.

    “NPP leadership and members need a course on honesty!” she wrote.

    She further accused the NPP of attempting to manipulate the truth, urging them to acknowledge the reality instead of misleading Ghanaians. “They need to stop the gaslighting,” she added.

    Her remarks echo the frustration of many bettors who have taken to social media to share proof that the betting tax was indeed implemented under the NPP administration. Screenshots of betting tax deductions and transaction records have flooded online platforms, contradicting the former finance minister’s claim.

    As discussions on the betting tax continue, Bridget Otoo’s comments have fueled an ongoing debate about political accountability and transparency in governance.

    Read the post below:

  • Video: Youth Minister says betting tax will be scrapped in the 2025 budget

    Video: Youth Minister says betting tax will be scrapped in the 2025 budget

    Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has promised that the betting tax will be scrapped during the 2025 budget announcement.

    He mentioned that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is dedicated to keeping the promises made during the election campaign and will not let the people of Ghana down.

    The minister also stated that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is working on eliminating unnecessary taxes, like the betting tax, to help reduce the financial burden on bettors in the country.

    In an interview with JoyNews, Opare Addo said that President Mahama’s team is working hard to achieve the president’s goals.

    “Everybody is committed to meeting the target of His Excellency President Mahama. When the budget is read in March 2025, all the promises we made regarding tax cancellations will be implemented, and young people should look forward to the cancellation of the betting tax,” he said.

    The comments align with recent reports that Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is working to ensure the betting tax is removed during the 2025 budget reading.

    The finance minister is engaging the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to scrap nuisance taxes, including the betting tax.

  • Sports Minister proposes allocating bet take Tax for Sports devt

    Sports Minister proposes allocating bet take Tax for Sports devt

    Sports Minister Kofi Adams has proposed that revenue from the betting tax be allocated to a dedicated sports fund to support the growth and development of the country’s sporting sector.

    He emphasized that directing a portion of the tax into this fund would ensure long-term sustainability for sports in Ghana.

    Additionally, the Buem constituency MP revealed plans to introduce a sports lottery as another means of generating revenue to further strengthen the sector.

    “I believe the time has come for this to be done. A percentage of the bet stake tax should be allocated to the sports fund. We will introduce a sports lottery,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

    Mr. Adams further highlighted the need for a structured sports fund, drawing comparisons to past government initiatives such as the GETFund for education and the Health Fund established during President Rawlings’ administration.

    “We established GETFund for education and the Health Fund to support health issues during President Rawlings’ era. We must recognize the importance of sports. Investing in sports can reduce diseases by promoting physical exercises and other activities,” he explained.

    Meanwhile, various stakeholders are advocating for greater financial investment to enhance sports infrastructure, athlete development, and overall management of the sector.

    However, this proposal differs from the Mahama administration’s position, as Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to abolish the betting tax in the upcoming budget presentation to Parliament.

  • Sammy Awuku labels betting tax as counterproductive following resignation

    Sammy Awuku labels betting tax as counterproductive following resignation

    Former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has commended the Mahama-led administration for its decision to scrap the controversial betting tax.

    In an interview with Adom News’ Parliamentary Correspondent, Ohene Amponsah, Mr. Awuku criticized the tax as ineffective, describing it as a “voluntary tax” that failed to meet its intended objectives.

    “I have been consistent with my position under both the Akufo-Addo government and now Mahama’s that the betting and lottery tax is counterproductive and will not help the nation. It is a voluntary tax,” he remarked.

    He called on the government to engage stakeholders in the gaming industry to establish specific revenue targets instead of shifting the tax burden onto players. According to him, such an approach risks driving bettors toward illegal operators.

    “Government must sit with the stakeholders and set targets for them to pay, rather than passing it on to the player. The tax will make illegal betting operators more attractive to players,” Mr. Awuku cautioned.

    He further advocated for stronger incentives for companies adhering to regulations and urged the government to review laws governing the gaming sector. He emphasized the need for stricter penalties for illegal operators, likening such offenses to financial crimes in other jurisdictions.

    “It is considered a financial crime in some jurisdictions, so punishments must not be based on the judge’s discretion,” he stressed.

    In August 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) introduced a 10% tax on winnings from sports betting and lotteries, sparking widespread backlash. Many critics blamed the NLA for initiating the policy.

    However, Mr. Awuku disclosed that during his tenure at the NLA, the authority was not consulted before the tax’s implementation.

  • Ato Forson’s comment on betting tax thrill some netizens; see reactions

    Ato Forson’s comment on betting tax thrill some netizens; see reactions

    Ghanaians have been buzzing on social media after Cassiel Ato Forson, President John Mahama’s nominee for Minister of Finance, promised to remove the betting tax.

    While being vetted on Monday, January 13, 2025, Ato Forson explained that the tax brought in very little revenue for the country, so removing it wouldn’t negatively affect the government’s finances.

    The announcement has led to a mix of reactions from Ghanaians online.

    Most people are excited about the idea of getting rid of the betting tax, eagerly awaiting its removal.

    However, some were surprised to learn how little revenue the tax actually brought to the government.

    During his campaign, President John Mahama had promised to eliminate the betting tax that was introduced by the previous NPP government.

    The strong support for scrapping the tax shows just how unpopular it has been among Ghanaians.

  • Increase betting tax to 50% – Institute of Community Sustainability urges

    Increase betting tax to 50% – Institute of Community Sustainability urges

    The Institute of Community Sustainability has called on the government to increase the betting tax to 50%, up from the current 10%, to curb the growing threat of sports betting on Ghana’s youth.

    The Institute warns that the rapid rise in sports betting, especially among young people, has reached alarming levels, posing a risk to their well-being.

    In a statement released by its Executive Director, Eric Jerry Aidoo, the Institute expressed grave concern over how youth are investing significant time and money into betting platforms. He noted that many young bettors often risk as much as 50% of their winnings, only to lose everything, trapping them in a vicious cycle of loss.

    The call for a tax hike comes amid contrasting promises made by President-elect John Dramani Mahama during his campaign to abolish the current 10% tax on betting winnings.

    Mr. Mahama had emphasized the need for broader tax reforms, stating: “First, is resetting the economy for prosperity. In the first 120 days in office, we will hold a national economic dialogue to draw up a four-year fiscal consolidation plan. We would rationalize taxes, abolishing among others the obnoxious e-levy, the COVID levy, and the 10% levy on bets winnings.”

    Despite this, the Institute of Community Sustainability insists that a higher betting tax is crucial to addressing the harmful impacts of sports betting on Ghana’s youth.

  • We’ll use our new majority numbers to scrap betting tax, e-levy – Ato Forson

    We’ll use our new majority numbers to scrap betting tax, e-levy – Ato Forson

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to leverage its newly declared “majority status” in Parliament to abolish controversial taxes, including the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) and betting taxes.

    At a press conference on Sunday, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the NDC’s intent to scrap what he called “nuisance taxes” following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

    He emphasized that the NDC’s strengthened position would allow the party to introduce measures aimed at alleviating the economic burden on Ghanaians.

    Dr. Forson stated, “We will use our new majority numbers to benefit Ghanaians by introducing private members’ bills to remove the E-Levy and reduce the suffering of the people. It is also true that we will remove the betting tax and other nuisance taxes.”

    The E-Levy, implemented by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, has faced widespread criticism for its negative impact on businesses and transactions, while the newly introduced betting tax has particularly stirred discontent among the youth.

    Dr. Forson further condemned the NPP’s tax policies, assuring the business community and citizens that the NDC’s majority would work to protect their interests and reduce the financial strain imposed by the current tax regime.

  • Creating legal avenues to address property rate defaulters essential – Tax Analyst

    Creating legal avenues to address property rate defaulters essential – Tax Analyst

    Tax Analyst Francis Timore Boi has recommended the creation of specialized courts to address the issue of property tax evasion.

    He suggests that those who neglect to pay property taxes could face severe consequences, including property seizures and legal action, drawing on similar practices observed in other countries.

    Mr Boi believes that implementing such measures could greatly increase property tax revenue and decrease local assemblies’ reliance on central government funding.

    Speaking to Citi Business News at the National Tax Conference hosted by Oxfam, Boi emphasized the importance of enforcing property tax regulations through local assemblies.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) views low property rate compliance as primarily an attitudinal issue.

    “Taxation is not a donation. It’s not like a church where you call people to come and give as and when they can. It is enforcement which will bring the tax revenue.

    Dominic Naab, Assistant Commissioner with the Policy and Programmes Department, stated that citizens must see tangible results from their taxes to encourage better compliance.

    “The problem is that when the district assemblies even do their assessments in the past when they were serving bills to individuals and companies, when you don’t pay nothing happens to you… there is no enforcement. In some jurisdictions, the local council can even enforce the payment by attaching your property.

    While he acknowledged the problem, Mr Naab argued against harsh measures for increasing property tax payments, advocating instead for enhanced educational efforts to improve understanding and compliance.

    “They can even seize your property and say you have defaulted. We are calling for special courts to be established so that for those who don’t comply with the law, the court deals with them. District Assemblies should be able to drag people to court for non-compliance to the local government act for the payment of property taxes.”

    “We have tried this kind of path before where we used brute force to collect taxes but we think that it hasn’t helped over the years. What we should rather be doing is encouraging compliance.

    The National Tax Conference was held under the theme “Improving Progressive Property Taxation and Tax Compliance: The Key to Increased Domestic Revenue Mobilization in Ghana.”

  • Kofi Akpaloo vows to increase betting tax from 10-60%

    Kofi Akpaloo vows to increase betting tax from 10-60%

    Kofi Akpaloo, the Presidential Aspirant for the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), has vowed to significantly raise the betting tax rate from 10% to 60% if elected in the upcoming December 7 elections.

    Akpaloo emphasized that his administration would prioritize job creation to employ the youth, while also eliminating distractions like sports betting that he believes detract from productive work.

    In an interview on Hitz FM’s Cruise Control on August 29, Akpaloo argued that sports betting does not constitute hard work or a reliable way to earn money. By increasing the tax, he hopes to discourage participation in betting activities.

    “I didn’t say I am going to cancel it [betting tax]. I said if I have my way, I will increase the tax to discourage them [youth]. If they will, maybe 60% at least. I want to give them jobs to do so that they focus,” he said.


    Kofi Akpaloo’s remarks come as a direct response to campaign promises made by the flagbearers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, both of whom have pledged to abolish the betting tax if elected.

    While Dr. Bawumia and John Mahama have proposed eliminating the tax and exploring alternative solutions, Akpaloo contends that the most effective strategy is to deter young people from engaging in what he considers unwise investments, such as sports betting.

    He believes that raising the tax would help steer the youth away from gambling and towards more productive pursuits.

  • Create jobs with betting tax, don’t scrap it – Saddick Adams

    Create jobs with betting tax, don’t scrap it – Saddick Adams

    Ghanaian sports journalist, Saddick Adams has recommended the maintenance of the betting tax instead of it being scrapped.

    His comments come after the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former president John Mahama’s pledge to scrap tax on bet winnings which was introduced by the incumbent government if voted into power.

    He said this during a youth at a town hall meeting in the Volta Region on August 13, 2024. The 10 per cent betting tax introduced in August 2023, applies to all winnings from betting and lottery games at the payout point.

    Saddick in a tweet shared on August 14, 2024, urged that the taxes be accumulated and invested into creating jobs for the huge youthful unemployed population in Ghana.

    “On betting tax, if I had my way, I wouldn’t cancel it. Use it to make observed transformations in youth unemployed and the bettors will not be against paying it.”

    “Gov’t can only create jobs/enabling environment if it has the finances to do so and that is achieved through taxes. Therefore, taxes accrued from betting should as a matter of consideration be invested in creating jobs for the youth…

    “That we took a thousand youth out of unemployed by creating this from the betting tax collected in 2023.”

    He believes that once employment is created out of this tax “the youth is assured of that commitment and in the long run, you’re offering them a better alternative, gainful employment opportunities, to positively utilize the exuberance” he added.

    But, he warned against government milking and misappropriating these taxes made from “the risk that an unemployed person has legitimately taken to generate income, in the absence of meaningful jobs”.

    “However, if these taxes are as usual going to end up being misappropriated or in the pockets of corrupt officials, then the motive to keep people away from betting by taxing them will not be realized. Put the taxes to tangible use”.

  • Ghanaian youth betting aren’t lazy; they just don’t have better jobs – Saddick Adams

    Ghanaian youth betting aren’t lazy; they just don’t have better jobs – Saddick Adams

    Renowned Ghanaian sports journalist, Saddick Adams has weighed in on recent controversy over the increasing taste for sports betting among Ghanaian youth.

    In a tweet shared on August 14, 2024, the Sports Obama noted that, many resort to gambling due to the lack of gainful employment opportunities.

    He recounts how a young Ghanaian man who believed he was addicted to betting, quit the gamble after he relocated to the USA where he was assured of a regular and stable income.

    “A young man I know who thought he was a betting addict, has completely abandoned the trade after relocating to USA.

    Sometimes he is doing a 16-hour shift and boy wouldn’t risk his hard earnings on betting anymore, knowing he is assured of regular income. Over 70% of our youth are engaged in betting, the fourth highest in Africa” he said.

    His remarks come after flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) and former president John Mahama’s pledge to scrap tax on bet winnings which was introduced by the incumbent government if voted into power.

    In reaction to this, the former Majority leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu has vowed to drag the former president to elders of Assemblies of God church over his promise to scrap betting tax as he believes that, betting is not for a godly nation like Ghana.

    Also, it would be recalled that, Kyei Mensah Bonsu in August 2023, expressed his approval of taxing bet winnings citing worries about the increasing number of betting companies and their possible impact on the youth.

    He suggested that the growth of these businesses might unintentionally encourage a mindset of complacency, laziness, and idleness among young people.

    In light of this, Saddick opined that “I do not think all of them are in it because they are lazy or unreligious as the Suame MP asserts”.

    Ghanaian government introduced a 10% withholding tax on all betting and lottery winnings starting from August 15, 2023123.

    This tax is automatically deducted at the point of payout for all betting, games, and lottery wins.

  • Scrapping betting tax will only fuel gambling among the youth – NPP’s Nana Bediako to Mahama

    Scrapping betting tax will only fuel gambling among the youth – NPP’s Nana Bediako to Mahama

    Member of the NPP’s Communications Team, Nana Bediako has raised concerns about former President John Dramani Mahama’s promise to abolish the betting tax.

    Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues with host Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom, Bediako argued that removing the tax could lead to an increase in gambling among the youth.

    Bediako criticized the proposal, stating, “From where I sit, it seems that removing the tax might inadvertently encourage more young people to engage in betting.

    Nowadays, children are going so far as to steal from their mothers or even their employers to place bets, which is a serious issue.

    Allowing easier access to bet could potentially divert them from working and focusing on productive activities.”

    He highlighted the importance of carefully evaluating policies related to gambling, pointing out that they should not unintentionally encourage irresponsible behavior among young people.

  • We will remove betting tax, find alternatives – Mahama

    We will remove betting tax, find alternatives – Mahama

    Former President John Mahama has vowed to explore alternatives to the controversial betting tax as part of his election campaign strategy.

    Speaking at the NDC’s Youth Townhall Meeting in Accra, the party’s flagbearer underscored his commitment to addressing critical issues impacting Ghanaians.

    Mahama reiterated his promise to eliminate both the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) and the tax on betting winnings if he wins the upcoming election.

    He criticized the E-Levy for failing to meet revenue expectations while burdening citizens financially. His campaign pledges are part of a broader effort to tackle the country’s pressing economic challenges.

    Additionally, Mahama called for a more organized approach to exporting local talent, expressing concerns about the current exodus of professionals due to economic hardships.

  • Deputy Finance Minister-Designate backs betting tax for revenue boost

    Deputy Finance Minister-Designate backs betting tax for revenue boost

    Deputy Finance Minister-Designate, Dr Alexander Ampaabeng, has expressed his support for the government’s implementation of the betting tax.

    During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament in Accra, he endorsed the tax, highlighting its revenue potential for the country.

    Responding to questions from Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Techiman North, Dr Ampaabeng, a tax expert, clarified that the betting tax was not a new concept.

    He explained that it was first introduced in 2015 under Act 891 (Customs Acts, 2015), with subsequent amendments.

    Differentiating between previous legislation and the current provision (Act 1094), Dr Ampaabeng highlighted that the latest amendment removed the exemption threshold, thereby subjecting all winnings to taxation.

    He emphasised that similar betting taxes were prevalent in East Africa.

    Expressing his stance on the matter, Dr Ampaabeng asserted that, from a revenue generation perspective, the betting tax presented significant opportunities for the country.

    The Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act 1094) introduces a withholding tax of 10 percent on all betting, lottery, and games of chance winnings.

    In addition to endorsing the betting tax, Dr Ampaabeng also advocated for the expansion of the tax net to include online businesses. He emphasised the importance of assessing and reconsidering options to ensure that the government maximises revenue potential from online platforms.

  • Minority set to furnish Parliament private member’s bill for removal of betting tax, E-levy

    Minority set to furnish Parliament private member’s bill for removal of betting tax, E-levy

    The Minority in Parliament has announced its plan to introduce a private member’s bill aimed at repealing the E-levy, emissions tax, and betting tax.

    This decision follows the recent proposal by the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who promised to eliminate these taxes if elected in the 2024 polls.

    The e-levy, emissions tax, and betting tax have been subjects of debate, and the Minority intends to address them through legislative action. The bill aims to compel the government to reconsider these taxes, which are viewed as nuisance taxes.

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, highlighted in his concluding remarks on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Akufo-Addo that these taxes impose a heavy burden on businesses in the country.

    He expressed hope that the Majority in the House, which supported Dr. Bawumia’s stance on removing the e-levy, would also support this bill.

    “The unemployment situation in our country is at a crisis point. Mr Speaker the high cost of living has become a nightmare for many people. This has significantly deteriorated during the depreciation of our currency, especially Mr Speaker food inflation.

    “Sadly a recent World Bank report on food security released on the 13th of November 2023 cited Ghana among the top five countries in the world with the highest food inflation. Many families in Ghana today cannot put food on the table,” he stated.

  • Betting tax: GRA optimistic of generating GHS60m by end of football season

    Betting tax: GRA optimistic of generating GHS60m by end of football season

    The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is hopeful of generating GH¢60 million in betting tax by the end of the football season (UEFA Champions League).

    Commissioner responsible for the DTRD, Edward Gyambra, made this projection after announcing that GRA generated GH¢15 million from the newly implemented betting tax within a one-month period.

    “During the first month of implementation, we averaged GH¢20 million for the GGR. As for the withholding tax, we’ve just started the betting season, but during the lean season, we averaged GH¢15 million. We anticipate this to quadruple by May.”

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has introduced a 10% withholding tax on betting, with the goal of generating approximately GH¢400 million in additional government revenue.

    The tax measure took effect from August 15, 2023.

    This tax measure has sparked mixed opinions among the public. While some segments of the population oppose the tax, certain government officials, including Suame MP Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, support its implementation.

  • GHS15m generated from betting tax in a month – GRA

    GHS15m generated from betting tax in a month – GRA

    The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) noted that it has generated GH¢15 million from the newly implemented betting tax within a one-month period.

    The tax collection agency is optimistic that this figure will increase to GH¢60 million by the conclusion of the football season (UEFA Champions League).

    The Commissioner responsible for the DTRD, Edward Gyambra, has conveyed his confidence in the Authority’s ability to surpass its revenue targets by the end of the year.

    “We have two streams of taxes: the gross revenue tax and the withholding tax,” he explained.

    “During the first month of implementation, we averaged GH¢20 million for the GGR. As for the withholding tax, we’ve just started the betting season, but during the lean season, we averaged GH¢15 million. We anticipate this to quadruple by May.”

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has implemented a 10% withholding tax on betting, aiming to generate around GH¢400 million in additional government revenue.

    The tax measure took effect from August 15, 2023.

    This tax measure has received divided opinions from the public. While a section of the general public is against the tax, some government officials, such as the Suame MP, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu support the implementation of the tax.

  • LilWin backs 10% betting tax, promises to increase to 60% if he becomes president

    LilWin backs 10% betting tax, promises to increase to 60% if he becomes president

    Kumawood actor and musician Kwadwo Nkansah, professionally known as LilWin, has expressed his view that if he were the president, he would have implemented policies to generate employment opportunities and significantly raise the betting tax from 10% to 60%.

    On August 8, 2023, the Government of Ghana introduced a new regulation that enforces a 10% tax on winnings from betting and lotteries.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) clarified that this withholding tax would be automatically deducted at the point of prize distribution for all gaming, betting, and lottery victories.

    However, the implementation of this new measure sparked widespread criticism from the public, particularly the youth, who accused the government of disregarding their concerns.

    During an interview on Kumasi-based radio station Silver FM, LilWin shared his perspective on the tax. He expressed that if he were in a position of power, he would raise the tax rate significantly to approximately 60%, while also striving to generate ample employment opportunities for the country’s youth.

    “The betting tax is actually not a bad idea. If I were the president, I would create lots of jobs, to the extent that even the companies won’t be able to find workers. Then, I would increase the betting tax to 60%, so if someone chooses not to work and prefers to stake bets, he would gain very little; so if he wins 100 cedis, he will gain only 40 cedis,” LilWin said.

    The actor, however, acknowledged that due to the current economic situation in the country, the betting tax should have been low but gradually increased as and when things got better.

    “Currently, we know there are no jobs, which pushes young men to go into betting. What I would do is still set the betting tax, but set it very low, at about 2%, then slowly increase it to 5% and then 10%. By then, there will be enough jobs for the boys,” he added.