The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) have cautioned parliamentarians against approving the removal of the betting tax when the 2025 budget is presented for debate and approval.
During the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on March 11, 2025, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced that the 10% withholding tax on bet winnings would be canceled upon parliamentary approval.
In response, the ICS noted that youth gambling addiction is on the rise, posing a serious threat to the nation’s future.
The group expressed disappointment in President John Dramani Mahama for yielding to pressure from bettors and abolishing the tax instead of taking measures to curb the issue.
“We are concerned that this policy reflects a lack of foresight regarding the detrimental effects of betting addiction on the youth. Ghana currently lacks sufficient structures and support systems for those struggling with gambling addiction, and this new policy will only worsen the situation. Rather than encouraging youth to bet more, we must focus on providing them with opportunities for meaningful employment and personal development.
“Betting is not a sustainable means of employment but rather a gamble with the future of our youth. By endorsing such practices, we are trading the long-term welfare of our young people for short-term financial gains. In light of these concerns, we call on all 275 Members of Parliament to stand up for the well-being of Ghanaian youth and reject the proposed abolition of the betting tax. This is not just a policy decision; it is a moral imperative to safeguard the future of our nation,” said Eric Jerry Aidoo, Executive Director of ICS, in a statement.
Meanwhile, watch as football fans slam NPP over misleading betting tax comments
SB/MA
