Institute of Community Sustainability urges Mahama to raise betting tax to 50%

The Institute of Community Sustainability has voiced serious concerns about the escalating threat posed by sports betting to the well-being of Ghana’s youth.

The organisation has warned that the surge in sports betting, especially among young people, has reached alarming proportions.

To address the issue, the institute is urging the government to increase the betting tax to 50%, up from the current 10%, as a deterrent.

However, this proposal comes in contrast to President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promise to eliminate the betting tax as part of his broader tax reforms.

During his campaign, Mahama stated, “In the first 120 days in office, we will hold a national economic dialogue to draw up a four-year fiscal consolidation plan. We would rationalise taxes, abolishing among others the obnoxious E-levy, the COVID levy, and the 10% levy on bets winnings.”

In a statement, Eric Jerry Aidoo, Executive Director of the Institute of Community Sustainability, expressed deep concern about the current state of sports betting in Ghana.

He highlighted how many young people are investing significant amounts of time and money into betting platforms, with some gambling up to 50% of their winnings, only to lose it all.

This, he said, traps them in a destructive cycle of addiction and financial instability.

Mr. Aidoo emphasised the urgent need for action to protect Ghana’s youth from the long-term social and economic consequences of unchecked sports betting.