5 NDC MPs introduce private members bill to repeal betting tax

Five Members of Parliament (MP) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have introduced a private members bill to repeal the betting tax.

The MPs involved are Madina MP Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu ESQ, Ajumako Enyan Essiam MP Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Bolgatanga Central MP Isaac Adongo, Ayensuano MP Teddy Safori Addi, and Tamale North MP Alhassan Sayibu Suhyini.

They formally presented their proposal to the Clerk of Parliament on Thursday, November 7, 2024, to amend the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2023 (ACT 1094) to repeal the withholding tax rate on winnings from lotteries and address related matters.

The NDC MPs referenced several studies to support their argument that the youth are significantly unemployed and disheartened.

"Furthermore, despite the imposition of the tax, a recent Afrobarometer survey published by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) revealed that unemployment (41%) is the most frequently cited problem that Ghanaians want the government to address. Additionally, 7 in 10 Ghanaians reported that they or someone in their household went without a cash income at least once during the previous year, with 81 percent of Ghanaians rating the government's economic performance as overwhelmingly negative," they stated.

"Therefore, in light of the above, and considering the impact on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), and the exacerbation of the twin challenges of unemployment and economic hardships, as well as the apparent lack of adequate safety measures to support vulnerable Ghanaians against daily needs; there is an urgent need to introduce programs, including tax policies and measures, aimed at rescuing Ghanaians from the harsh economic realities, reducing the cost of living, promoting savings and investments, and achieving economic stability and sustainable growth. Hence, this bill," they concluded.