Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed his support for the taxation of winnings from sports betting and lottery activities. Mensah-Bonsu’s stance stems from his belief that these forms of gambling do not promote the values of hard work and industry, but rather, they propagate a culture of laziness and dependency among the youth.
Speaking during an interview with Kumasi-based Angel FM, the Suame Member of Parliament argued that betting and lottery winnings run counter to the principles of diligence and effort that lead to genuine success. He asserted that relying on luck and chance, as these activities often do, is not a sustainable or responsible approach to financial well-being. Instead, he emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance as the true pathways to prosperity.
“I don’t believe in betting. I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work and sweating to get money. Let’s be serious. As for me, I’m against betting coming into the country. I don’t support it because it doesn’t encourage hard work,” Mensah-Bonsu firmly stated during the interview.
Furthermore, he underscored the need for the youth to be guided towards productive endeavors that promote self-reliance and the pursuit of personal goals. He urged young people to focus on working diligently to achieve their aspirations, rather than placing their hopes on unpredictable gambling outcomes. “As an individual, I don’t engage in lottery because I don’t believe in that. I don’t believe in luck. Work hard so God will bless it,” he added.
Mensah-Bonsu’s stance aligns with the recent decision by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to implement a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings starting from August 15, 2023. This new policy marks a departure from the previous 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to each stake. The GRA’s Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Edward Gyamerah, explained that the change is in accordance with an amendment to the Income Tax Act 2023 (No.2), Act 1094.
Gyamerah further emphasized that gaming companies must comply with the new policy, warning that those who disregard the regulations would face punitive measures, including fines and potential license revocation. The GRA’s initiative aims to not only generate revenue for the government but also to encourage a shift in the public’s mindset away from reliance on chance and towards the values of hard work, perseverance, and responsible financial planning.
