Gambling is negatively affecting children’s education in Ghana

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, believes gambling is negatively affecting the education of Ghanaian children. 

According to him, the prevalence of gambling should be of concern to all parents as it negatively affects the values of Ghanaian society. The situation is also exacerbated by gambling advertisements and bonuses. According to topcadcasinos.net, many casinos give users free spins on slots, which later leads to the development of addiction.

Speaking in an interview with Citi TV on Monday, August 21, the former deputy information minister justified the 10% betting tax imposed by the government. 

“We have a culture where a Ghanaian is known as a hardworking person, committed to decent work and honest labor. These are our values. The trend of young people trying to get rich quickly is a dangerous path for any country in the long run.”

“That is why we have always advocated that the government take action to tackle gambling. We have looked at both legislative and physical measures, such as tax measures, to discourage people from betting excessively.”

He, therefore, called on those opposed to the move to rethink the situation and accept the introduction of the tax as a deterrent. 

The youth wing of the NDC has asked the government to immediately abolish the recently introduced 10% tax on all gross gambling winnings. 

According to them, this “insensitive policy” will worsen the plight of the already impoverished youth.

In a press statement issued by the party’s National Youth Organizer, George Opare Addo, the NDC has threatened to stage a series of protests if the government does not repeal the tax.

The actions include picketing the Ministry of Finance and other government offices across the country. 

“In the face of the unfair ten percent tax on betting winnings, we Ghanaians and the youth wing of the NDC declare strong action to resist this onerous policy.”

“Through agitation, advocacy, advocacy, and civic participation, we will make our voices heard, thereby demanding that the corrupt government reverse its decision,” the release excerpts read.

However, Hadzide believes the NDC is simply playing on the emotions of Ghanaian youths.

According to the GRA statement, the tax will be levied on profits accrued after every winnings, and the existing 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) rate will no longer be levied.