In January, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) introduced a 10% withholding tax on all gross winnings from sports betting.

This led to strong disagreements among the youth, most of whom criticized the government of Nana Akufo-Addo.

However, both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have promised to abolish the betting tax if they win the upcoming elections.

NDC presidential candidate John Mahama said he would abolish the betting tax if elected president, while Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP also promised to do the same.

However, Franklin Cudjoe said in response that abolishing the sports betting tax entirely would be a bad idea.

“Despite the economic challenges, I do not agree that we should completely abolish taxes on betting winnings. He can adjust the tax downwards,” said the President of IMANI-Africa on Joy FM.

“Some of the guys have complained and I understand them because they argue: ‘You as a government are not creating jobs for me, the little joy I get from betting is being taken away by taxes.’ Of course we don’t want that, but I think there has to be a middle ground.”

Meanwhile, the lottery and betting industry in Ghana has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, resulting in many betting companies setting up shop in the country.