Ghana Government urged to reconsider tax removal on betting winnings

Several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana, including the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, the Ghana NCD Alliance, and the Stroke Association Support Network, have called on the government to reverse its decision to remove taxes on betting wins.They have instead recommended increasing the tax rate on betting earnings to curb the rising popularity of gambling, particularly among young and vulnerable populations.In a statement signed by Labram Musah, the National Coordinator for the Ghana NCD Alliance, the organizations raised concerns about the negative health and socioeconomic impacts of betting, citing its rapid growth in Ghana. "Betting has become deeply embedded in modern society, especially with online platforms making it more accessible to a wider audience," the statement reads.According to a 2024 report by TGM Research, 41.7% of Ghanaians engaged in sports betting within the last year, with 95% of participants preferring online platforms over traditional betting shops. The report also revealed that 74.17% of respondents were driven by financial motivations, highlighting how economic challenges push many to gamble.In a recent interview on Eyewitness News, economist Professor Patrick Asuming stressed the importance of betting taxes, not only as a source of revenue but as a regulatory measure to address gambling-related challenges, particularly among the youth. "Betting addiction is having a devastating impact on young people, leading to mental health issues and financial instability," Asuming said.The CSOs also pointed out the tragic consequences of gambling addiction, including the case of a 76-year-old who died by suicide after losing a significant amount to sports betting. "There are also numerous incidents of young people, including students, diverting funds meant for education into gambling," the statement added.The organizations are calling for a comprehensive strategy to address the growing issue of gambling addiction, including stricter regulations on advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of betting, particularly targeting vulnerable groups. They also urge the government to impose age verification systems and enhance support services for gambling addiction, such as counselling and rehabilitation programs."The government must act to prevent the looming danger that lies ahead and prioritize the health and safety of our youth over the commercial interests of industry players," the CSOs concluded.