According to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the majority leader in parliament, sports betting is a lazy pastime that has deeply ingrained itself in the brains of the nation’s youth and, if it is not controlled, would corrupt them.
His remarks follow the government’s imposition of a 10% tax on winnings from sports wagering. Prior to the beginning of the majority of major league seasons across the world, the new tax is anticipated to go into effect on August 15, 2023.
“I don’t believe in betting. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work and sweating to get money. Let’s be serious. As for me, I’m against betting coming into the country. I don’t support it because it doesn’t encourage hard work.”
“As an individual, I don’t engage in lottery because I don’t believe in that. I don’t believe in luck. Work hard so God will bless it.”
However, his comments have attracted fury from Ghanaians across various social media landscapes. Checks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram capture scores of comments showing extreme anger from the youth who form the bulk of those who participate in betting.
The Ghanaian government recently introduced a new 10% tax on all winnings from gambling, games, and lotteries. Young Ghanaians, many of whom participate in gambling, have harshly criticized the new fee on social media. In the past ten years, Ghana’s betting sector has experienced phenomenal expansion, which has encouraged numerous bookmakers to establish operations there.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has served notice that the new 10% withholding tax on all betting, games, and lottery wins will take effect on August 15, 2023.
According to a report by UTV Ghana, the GRA said they aim to ensure full compliance with the newly amended Tax Act and generate about GHC 1.2 million from lottery activities.
