There’s nothing wrong with people making earnings through betting – Issah Atta

Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Issah Atta, has defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s decision to scrap the 10% tax on bet winnings, arguing that betting is a legitimate source of income and should not be discouraged.

Speaking on TV3 on Sunday, March 16, Issah Atta stated that removing the tax would increase disposable income, encourage more betting activities, and boost transaction volumes for betting companies, ultimately generating more corporate tax revenue for the government.

“There’s nothing wrong with people making earnings through predictions. It is acknowledged worldwide, and Ghana is not the only country that supports the idea of betting,” he said.

The MP, who serves on Parliament’s Finance Committee, dismissed moral concerns, insisting that the government regulates betting through the Gaming Commission. He further explained that the move aligns with Article 36 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the state to enhance citizens’ welfare.

According to him, the removal of the betting tax, alongside the scrapping of the E-levy, is part of the government’s efforts to ease economic hardships and provide financial relief to Ghanaians.