A group calling itself the Concerned Bettors of Ghana says that the upcoming 10% tax on lottery and betting winnings would not augur well for its members.
In a statement on 9th August 2023, the group noted that the tax, if implemented, will add to the numerous taxes being applied to ordinary Ghanaians.
They argued that given the number of jobless youth in the country who make a living from lotteries, the tax on their betting earnings will make them worse off.
“CBOG wishes to say that an attempt to go ahead and levy the ordinary Ghanaian, especially the youth, in an already tax-burdened society is a recipe for chaos,” the statement said.
They added that “betting, games, and lottery has become an avenue for livelihood for millions of Ghanaian youth due to the unavailability of existing jobs, and taking 10% of its winnings is a scandalous means to push the youth into more abject poverty.”
While rejecting the tax, CBOG did not state, however, the actions it would take should the government proceed with its implementation.
Earlier this week, the GRA announced that it will be implementing the new tax in accordance with the Income Tax (Amendment) Act of 2023 (Act 1094), effective Tuesday, August 15, targeting an initial revenue of GHC 1.2 billion.
The authority warned that it will, in conjunction with the Gaming Commission, revoke the licenses of operators who do not comply with the arrangement.
