The Minority Leader of Parliament, Cassiel Ato Forson has debunked the false claims by some communicators of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will prohibit gambling and sports betting if voted into power.
The government recently announced a new tax regime that would levy a 10% tax on any win on sports betting, causing outrage among the Ghanaian youth who are already grappling with unemployment.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Forson accused the NPP of peddling falsehoods and propaganda to cover up their unpopular decision to tax the proceeds of gambling, sport betting, and lottery.
He clarified that the NDC has never had any intention to ban gambling or sports betting, adding that he even spoke out against the idea of taxing them in 2021.
“I remain opposed to taxing the proceeds of gambling, sports betting, and lottery, among others,” he said.
Mr. Forson’s comments came in response to a supposed revelation by the NPP that the NDC was planning to ban gambling and sports betting in Ghana.
The minority leader further emphasized that the NDC is committed to creating jobs for the youth and promoting economic growth through its policies, not by banning leisure activities such as gambling and sports betting.
He urged the government to reconsider its decision to tax the proceeds of these activities, which he believes will only add to the burdens of the already struggling youth in the country.