The government’s decision to introduce a Sports Levy to finance national sports development has triggered a wave of public criticism, with many Ghanaians questioning the rationale behind the move, especially after the betting tax was scrapped.
Announced by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the proposed levy is expected to serve as the primary funding source for a National Sports Development Fund.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to establish a sustainable framework for financing sports nationwide, from grassroots programs to elite competitions.
However, many Ghanaians see the new levy as contradicting the government’s earlier position.
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Critics argue that the new proposal reflects the government’s inconsistency in fiscal policy and a lack of transparency in how sports funds are managed.
Others fear that the levy could become yet another unexplained deduction without clear accountability for how the money will be used.
Despite the backlash, some believe the idea of a sports fund is sound if properly implemented, stressing that Ghana’s athletes have long struggled with limited support and irregular funding.
Below are some of the reactions:
betting tax diɛ we know you don’t pay if you don’t bet… na levy wei how will it be…kotoko ne hearts players na ebe tua anaaa normal civilians?
— Hans (@hanson___) October 7, 2025
lol 😂
Take away betting tax, dress it differently and give it back to them 🤭— Zoom Chelsea (@kojo_skiddles) October 7, 2025
Sports is entertainment and entertainment isn’t by Force……please come again…….if the games are good, we shall fund them voluntarily
— Kensei Yao (@meisterPasqual) October 7, 2025
As for this one it doesn’t make any sense at all
— Jojo (@Jojo36147724) October 7, 2025
Take betting tax away and introduce “sports fund”
— Richmond (@im_h_u_m_a_n7) October 8, 2025
We are tired of unnecessary levies aaba! 🙄 please reintroduce the betting tax to generate that revenue because we don’t see any impact on our sports especially the football
— MR.OBOURBA (@dickson_darry) October 7, 2025
A country that sends more officials than athletes to sporting events shouldn’t even be thinking of this
— Michael Adu (@invictus_gh) October 7, 2025
FKA/JE
