The Executive Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), Professor Peter Quartey, has strongly opposed the government’s plan to abolish the betting tax.
His comments follow Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson’s announcement in the 2025 budget presentation that the government intends to remove certain ‘nuisance’ taxes, including the 10% withholding tax on betting winnings.
Speaking at the Post-2025 Budget Statement Review in Accra, he urged the government to channel betting tax revenues into impactful youth development programs rather than eliminating the levy.
“We are told road tolls raked in GH₵72 million, and betting tax is around GH₵140 million. Now, we want to introduce road tolls, which generate less, and scrap betting tax, which brings in more. I know the young ones won’t be happy with me, but for once, I am against this,” he stated.
Professor Quartey questioned the rationale behind the move, arguing that betting is a form of income and should be taxed accordingly.
“With betting, you’ve earned income, and you are paying something, yet you say it should be free? And because of votes and populism, we allow this?” he remarked.
He also raised concerns about the growing perception of betting as a form of employment, urging the government to use the revenue to support sustainable youth initiatives.
“People want to turn betting into a way of work, like employment. No—tax it and use the money to develop something for the young ones. This is not sustainable,” he asserted.
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