The youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a series of protests to pressure the government to abolish the 10% gambling tax.
The decision was made in response to what they believe to be an onerous tax regime that disproportionately affects the nation’s young and the larger betting business.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday, August 15, commenced the implementation of a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings.
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However, the implementation of the 10% betting tax, a facet of the government's revenue-generating efforts, has been met with criticism and apprehension.
The NDC youth faction asserts that this tax disproportionately burdens young Ghanaians who engage in betting as a source of entertainment and, in certain instances, a livelihood.
A press statement by the National Youth Organiser of the NDC, George Opare Addo expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with the tax, stating, “Our determination to protect the funds Young People secure through betting is unyielding. Through agitations, protests, advocacy, and civic engagements, we will ensure our voices are heard and demand that this CORRUPT Akufo-Addo/Bawumia Government rescind its decision.”
The statement added “We INTEND to do the following; Picket at the Ministry of Finance and occupy government offices across the country. Start and scale up nationwide conventional and unconventional lawful agitations as a measure of the resistance. Instigate young people to confront officials of this government and demand AN END to the CORRUPTION and Insensitivity of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-failed brigade, and Occupy Parliament and other government agencies.
