The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has stirred controversies with its recent claims that they would’ve abolished betting tax if they had won the 7th December, 2024 elections. This statement follows the National Democratic Party (NDC) government’s decision to scrap the tax as part of its 2025 budget, presented by Finance minister Dr. Ato Forson.
In press conference, an NPP spokesperson, Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications argues that the party had always considered the betting tax a temporary revenue measures and would have prioritize its removal if given another term. According to the spokesperson, the party understood the concerns of the youth and had planned a more sustainable approach to taxation that would not improperly affect the youth engaged in betting.
The claim, has, however, been met with doubtfulness as the betting tax was introduced under the NPP administration. Critics have questioned why the party failed to remove the tax while in government if it truly opposed it.
Upon assuming office, the NDC government labeled the tax a “nuisance” and its removal in the 2025 budget, alongside other levies such as the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) and COVID-19 Levy.
Despite the political back-and-forth, the scrapping of the betting tax has been welcomed by many young Ghanaians, who view it as a relief amid rising living costs.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the current administration’s next steps in shaping the country’s economic landscape, while the NPP continues to push its narrative of being a party focused on easing financial burdens for Ghanaians.
