Prof. Peter Quartey
The Executive Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Prof. Peter Quartey, has called on the government to rescind its decision to scrap the betting tax and rather, use the revenue generated to fund initiatives for the youth.
Prof. Quartey who made the call during the Post-2025 Budget Statement Review in Accra said betting is a form of income and should therefore be taxed.
“People want to turn betting into a way of work, like employment. No, tax it and use the money to develop something for the young ones. This is not sustainable,” he said.
He also asked why road tolls that earned the country less could be substituted with betting that generate more revenue for the government.
“We are told road tolls raked in GH₵72 million, and betting tax is around GH₵140 million. Now, we want to introduce road tolls, which generate less, and scrap betting tax, which brings in more. I know the young ones won’t be happy with me, but for once, I am against this.
“With betting, you’ve earned income, and you are paying something, yet you say it should be free? And because of votes and populism, we allow this,” he added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah