Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has promised to abolish the betting tax in his first budget if it is approved.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, has promised to repeal the betting tax in his first budget if approved.
Dr. Forson testified before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, arguing that the present betting tax has failed to achieve its goals and should be repealed.
I insist on abolishing the betting tax, and as Finance Minister, I will do so in my first budget because it has failed.
Ato Forson explained that the tax had not generated the intended revenue and had instead imposed a significant burden on the betting industry without helping the overall economy.
In addition to his views on the betting tax, Dr. Forson reiterated his opposition to the contentious E-levy.
Ato Forson stated unequivocally that his view on the levy remains unchanged, and he will seek to implement a more sustainable and effective tax structure that encourages economic growth while relieving unnecessary burdens on the public.
Dr. Forson’s statements demonstrate his commitment to revising Ghana’s tax systems in a way that promotes long-term economic development and answers the concerns of both citizens and companies.
Advocacy to Abort Tax
The former government’s 10% betting tax was considered as a nuisance tax, with some members of the public continually pushing against it.
Ghana’s betting community, which is predominantly made up of young people, was also opposed to the tax’s implementation.
Others, however, thought that the 10% was too high and advocated for a reduction, which the NPP government did not comply with.
Dr. Forson’s dedication to abolishing the tax that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party promised to repeal as part of their campaign pledges has been positively appreciated by the youth.
