The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has served notice that it will demonstrate against the ten percent tax on bet winnings by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
According to the youth wing of the party, it is a burdensome taxation policy that unfairly impacts the country’s youth and the broader betting industry.
A press statement by the National Youth Organiser of the NDC, George Opare Addo expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with the tax, stating, “Our determination to protect the funds Young People secure through betting is unyielding. Through agitations, protests, advocacy, and civic engagements, we will ensure our voices are heard and demand that this CORRUPT Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government rescind its decision.”
The statement added “We INTEND to do the following; Picket at the Ministry of Finance and occupy government offices across the country. Start and scale up nationwide conventional and unconventional lawful agitations as a measure of the resistance. Instigate young people to confront officials of this government and demand AN END to the CORRUPTION and Insensitivity of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-failed brigade, and Occupy Parliament and other government agencies.”
The introduction of the 10% betting tax, part of the government’s efforts to raise revenue, has been met with criticism and concern.
The NDC youth argue that this tax disproportionately affects young Ghanaians who are engaged in betting as a form of entertainment and, in some cases, livelihood.
The new betting tax means punters will have to cede 10% of any amount they win to the government in the form of tax.
