In recent developments, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its intention to abolish the 10% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on betting if their flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is elected as the next President of Ghana. This announcement, made by the Deputy National Communications Director of the NPP, George Krobea Asante, has sparked widespread discussions and skepticism among the Ghanaian public.
The proposed abolition of the VAT on betting comes in the wake of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) decision to implement a 10% tax on betting, gaming, and lottery wins in 2023. The tax was met with strong opposition from the youth, many of whom argued that betting has become one of their few viable means of financial support in the face of limited job opportunities. The youth contended that the tax was an additional burden that would exacerbate their already difficult economic situation.
In an interview on Happy98.9FM, Krobea Asante emphasized that Dr. Bawumia’s administration, if elected, would not only remove the VAT on Ghana betting sites but also eliminate taxes on electricity, spare parts, and other essential items. He argued that these measures would alleviate economic pressure on Ghanaians and significantly improve their living standards.
However, this announcement has been met with a mix of reactions. Many Ghanaians are questioning why the ruling party, which has been in power for the past several years, is making such promises now, instead of enacting these changes immediately. The NPP’s inability to implement these tax cuts during their current tenure has led some to view these promises as potentially empty, with critics suggesting that the party is behaving more like an opposition force than the government in power.
This concern is further amplified by the fact that neighboring countries are increasingly imposing higher taxes on regulated gambling. These taxes are often intended to curb the negative social impacts of gambling while also generating revenue. In these countries, high taxes have historically driven players to seek unsafe, unregulated betting options. Some Ghanaians fear that a reduction or removal of taxes on betting could lead to unintended consequences, including an increase in gambling-related problems.
The NPP’s focus on abolishing taxes as an electoral promise is being seen by many as a strategy to garner support from the youth, who have been significantly impacted by economic challenges in recent years. However, the skepticism remains: Why wait until after an election to make these changes if they are indeed necessary for the well-being of the nation?
The NPP’s narrative positions Dr. Bawumia as a leader with a clear economic vision and proven competence. Yet, as Ghana heads towards the next elections, the electorate is likely to demand more than just promises—they will be looking for tangible actions and accountability from those in power. The NPP’s challenge will be to convince voters that these promises are not just electoral rhetoric but are commitments that will be fulfilled.
As the political discourse in Ghana intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the NPP can bridge the gap between their promises and the expectations of the Ghanaian people, or whether this latest announcement will merely add to the growing list of unfulfilled commitments in the eyes of the electorate.
