Sammy Awuku Welcomes Government’s Decision to Scrap Betting Tax
Sammy Awuku, the former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North (NPP), has expressed strong support for the government’s decision to abolish the betting tax.
In an interview with Daily Guide Network (DGN), Awuku, a long-time critic of the tax, described it as ineffective, stating that it had proven counterproductive in various jurisdictions worldwide. He emphasized his consistent opposition to the tax, which he believed had failed to deliver positive results, even during the tenure of the previous administration.
“I’m excited that the betting tax is going to be scrapped,” Awuku said, reinforcing his stance. “I’ve been consistent about it, even during the NPP era, and I said it is something that personally has not worked in many of the jurisdictions anytime you have introduced taxes on betting.”
Concerns Over Impact on Government-Owned Institutions
Awuku expressed concern that the tax was detrimental to government-run entities like the NLA, which is expected to contribute to national revenue. He pointed out that government-run lotteries were being taxed while underground, illegal betting operators, who do not face such levies, became more attractive to bettors.
“If you play with the government, you attract a 10% tax on what you win. But if you play with the illegals, you get your full money. So, I told them that, for me, it was counterproductive,” he explained.
Criticism of Inconsistencies in NDC’s Stance
Awuku also criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he called inconsistencies in their approach to betting regulation. He highlighted comments from the Finance Minister-designate, who had previously suggested that not only the betting tax should be scrapped, but that betting and lottery activities should be banned entirely.
“The difficulty with the NDC position is that earlier the Finance Minister-designate had said that it should be banned—not just the tax being scrapped,” Awuku noted.
The announcement to scrap the betting tax marks a significant shift in policy, with Awuku and others welcoming the move as a step towards a more balanced approach to the regulation of betting activities in Ghana.
