The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS) has expressesed its disappointment and concern over the recent decision by President John Dramani Mahama to abolish the betting tax.
The removal of the Betting Tax is not only shortsighted but also jeopardizes the future of the Ghanaian youth, who are already grappling with the challenges of unemployment and economic instability, ICS, which earlier called for the Betting Tax to be increased from the 10% to 50%, said.
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The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the government will be abolishing the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy), and the 10% tax on lottery winnings also known as betting tax.
The Minister announced this when he presented the government’s first budget statement to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11.
But in a statement ICS said that while they acknowledge the efforts to address various concerns within the country, they strongly believe that the abolition of the betting tax will only exacerbate the problems faced by young Ghanaians.
“It is an unfortunate reality that many youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, turn to betting as a means to escape their circumstances. The government’s decision to abolish the tax will likely encourage even more young people to engage in gambling, further entrenching them in a cycle of financial instability and addiction,” a statement issued by Eric Jerry Aidoo, Executive Director, Institute of Community Sustainability, said.
The stated added that “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, which will only worsen with this new policy. Rather than encouraging youth to bet more, we must focus on providing them with opportunities for meaningful employment and personal development.”
ICS further said they are equally disappointed by the silence of the Christian Council of Ghana, the Islamic Society, and traditional leaders on this issue.
These institutions have an important role to play in shaping the values of the nation, and their failure to speak out against the abolishment of the betting tax leaves the youth vulnerable to exploitation, it said.
“We question whether any of our esteemed ministers would be comfortable with their own children engaging in such a dangerous and potentially ruinous activity.
“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. This is a path that the state is clearly unprepared to support adequately, and the potential consequences are too grave to ignore. 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 abolishment of the betting tax. This is not just a policy decision; it is a moral imperative to safeguard the future of our nation.
“The Institute of Community Sustainability is committed to advocating for the rights and future of the Ghanaian youth, and we will continue to push for policies that prioritize their well-being, development, and success.”
