Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei Opposes Scrapping of Betting Tax

The Deputy Leader of the Minority Group in Parliament, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, has defended the betting tax, arguing that it serves as a deterrent and scrapping it would impose undue hardship on Ghanaians.

The Honourable Member of Parliament noted that most countries have implemented betting taxes as a means to discourage excessive gambling among the youth and encourage them to engage in more productive ventures.

Her comments follow the government’s decision to abolish the betting tax, along with other levies, as outlined in the 2025 budget statement and fiscal policy. The government justifies this move as part of efforts to ease financial burdens on the youth.

However, the Deputy Minority Leader strongly disagrees, warning that removing the tax could lead to increased gambling addiction among young people.

“We would prefer that people engage in productive activities. If everyone turns to betting or relies on easy money, do you think we will have a structured society where people are working hard to earn a living?” she questioned.

Emphasizing the global trend, she noted that betting taxes are often punitive and meant to regulate the industry rather than encourage it.

Instead of scrapping the tax, Honourable Appiagyei suggested that the government should find ways to regulate the industry more effectively to prevent gambling from becoming a habitual practice among the youth.

She condemned the growing trend of individuals seeking quick wealth through betting and urged the government to take a firm stance in protecting young people by maintaining the betting tax.

By Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor