North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the opposition government is facing with the introduction of the 10% tax on betting is justified. 

In his view, the Akufo-Addo government has not demonstrated frugality in spending the resources that have come to its disposal since assuming office in 2027. 

Citing the recent issues surrounding the Bank of Ghana’s new head office building currently under construction, the former Deputy Information Minister said the government deliberately inflated the cost of the project.

It is no longer difficult to appreciate why Ghanaians get so angry & extremely agitated when govt introduces new taxes

How can you recklessly inflate the BoG office project from US$81.8million to US$222.7million in 2yrs & expect the youth to accept your obnoxious tax on betting?

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) August 23, 2023

In a tweet on Wednesday, August 23, Mr Ablakwa said the opposition to the new tax is justified and that should be abolished immediately. 

“It is no longer difficult to appreciate why Ghanaians get so angry & extremely agitated when govt introduces new taxes.”

“How can you recklessly inflate the BoG office project from $81.8 million to US$222.7 million in two years and expect the youth to accept your obnoxious tax on betting?”

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday, August 15, commenced the implementation of a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings.

According to the GRA, the withholding tax will be charged on profits accrued after each win and the existing 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate on each stake will no longer be charged.

The GRA said that the new policy is in line with an amendment to the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), Act 1094.

Following this, the Youth Wing of the NDC has asked the government to immediately abolish it. 

According to them, the “insensitive policy” will worsen the plight of the already impoverished youths.

In a press statement issued by the National Youth Organiser of the party, George Opare Addo, the NDC Youth Wing threatened a series of protests should the government fail to abolish the tax.

These actions include picketing at the Ministry of Finance and other government offices across the country. 

“In the face of the unjust ten (10%) taxation on bet wins, we, the young people of Ghana and the NDC Youth, declare a resolute series of actions to resist the burdensome and insensitive policy.”

“Our unity is unwavering and our determination to protect the funds of the young people secured through betting is unyielding.”

“Through agitations, protects, agitations and advocacy and civic engagements, we will ensure our voices are heard and demand that this corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government rescind its decision,” excerpts of the release said.