The recent removal of taxes on betting, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has sparked mixed reactions in the Ashanti Region, with gamblers celebrating the decision while others express concerns over its broader societal impact.
During a visit to gambling centres in Kumasi, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed widespread excitement among bettors, many of whom viewed the move as the fulfillment of a campaign promise by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
At the Soccerbet centre in Asokore-Mampong, Kweku Mensah expressed relief, stating that the tax removal would ensure that bettors received their full winnings without excessive deductions.
“I voted for the NDC because of their stance on betting taxes. Now that it has been removed, I feel vindicated in my decision,” he said.
Similarly, Mohammad Sani highlighted the high unemployment rate in Ghana, arguing that sports betting had become a financial lifeline for many young people. He described the tax removal as a welcome relief, allowing bettors to earn more from their stakes.
However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm. Maame Yaa, an elderly resident, strongly opposed the decision, arguing that betting promotes idleness among the youth.
“Betting is morally wrong. Instead of removing the tax, the government should have increased it to discourage young people from wasting their time and money,” she asserted.
She further warned that the growing popularity of sports betting could have negative long-term consequences for Ghana’s youth.
While the debate continues, the government maintains that the policy change is aimed at improving compliance and enhancing revenue generation in other ways.
