The youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced a number of actions to pressure the government to repeal the 10% tax imposed on gambling.
The choice was made in reaction to what they see as an onerous taxation policy that unfairly affects the country’s youth and the larger betting industry.
The government’s decision to implement a 10% betting tax as a means of increasing revenue has drawn criticism and alarm.
The NDC youth-wing claim that this tax disproportionately affects young Ghanaians who bet for recreation and, in some cases, a living.
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.”
