Scrapping betting tax is a wrong move – ISSER to government

The Executive Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), Professor Peter Quartey, has strongly opposed the government’s decision to scrap the betting tax.

Speaking at the Post-2025 Budget Statement Review in Accra, he emphasized the need for the government to redirect betting tax revenues into impactful youth development programmes rather than eliminating the levy.

“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,” he stated.

He further questioned the rationale behind removing the tax, arguing that betting is a form of income and should be taxed accordingly.

“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 remarked.

Professor Quartey also expressed concerns about the increasing perception of betting as a form of employment and urged the government to use the revenue to fund sustainable initiatives for the youth.

“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 asserted.

His comments comes after the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson stated in the 2025 budget presentation in parliament of the government’s decision to scrap some ‘nuisance’ taxes which include the ‘betting’ tax ( 10% withholding tax on winnings).

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