By: Kobina Baidoo
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Maham has promised to scrap taxes on sports betting in Ghana under his administration. Mr. Mahama made this promise at a Townhall Conversations event held today, August 12, 2024 at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra.
He acknowledged that sports betting is a major means of income for Ghanaian youth due to the harsh effects of Ghana’s poor economy especially on the youth. “Already things are not so good and the only thing that young people are using to survive has been taxed by this government.”
Mr. Mahama explained that the tax on sports betting will be scrapped and replaced with other potential ventures that will occupy that vacuum. “The government has agreed with the IMF to introduce certain taxes as part of criteria that makes Ghana eligible for IMF’s loans; so we will find other potential sectors that the taxes can be placed on so that sports betting can be left alone.”
The ex-president added that the 24hour economy policy will be of immense help to the youth which will shift them from relying on earning by chance to earning by working under the policy. “Most of you will be engaged to work under the 24hour economy to also earn good money across the respective sectors of Ghana.” he concluded