The Executive Director of the Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS), Eric Jerry Aidoo has raised concerns over the promotion of betting as a solution to unemployment by some political figures in Ghana.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Aidoo described the endorsement of betting in political campaigns as "misguided and potentially harmful," warning of the dangerous consequences such a trend could have on society.

Eric Aidoo pointed to the addictive nature of betting, which he said can lead to severe repercussions, including theft, imprisonment, and violence.

He contrasted Ghana's approach with that of many European countries, where high taxes, sometimes as much as 30%, are imposed to discourage citizens from engaging in betting activities due to the recognised risks.

He further pointed out that Ghana's mental health infrastructure is not equipped to manage the potential surge in betting addiction that could result from its promotion in political discourse.

Aidoo stressed the importance of prioritising sustainable solutions to unemployment over short-term fixes that could have long-term negative effects on individuals and communities.

"We must discourage betting in political campaigns and focus on initiatives that promote economic growth, development, and the well-being of our communities," Aidoo urged policymakers. "Let's work together to create a more sustainable and equitable society for all Ghanaians."

Presidential candidates representing the two largest political parties in Ghana, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party, and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, have stated opposition to the betting tax and have spoken of plans to remove same if voted as president in Election 2024.

While Bawumia is proposing new tax reforms and policies to create the fiscal space to eliminate some taxes such as the betting tax and the emissions tax, Mahama has also vowed to explore alternatives to the contentious betting tax.

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