GRA data indicates the Akufo-Addo administration implemented a 10% betting withholding tax, generating GH¢15 million in its first month. Former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam’s claims of non-implementation are contradicted by the GRA, with GHS1.2 billion collected in 2024. Concerns regarding the whereabouts of deducted tax have prompted calls for investigation.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has confirmed the implementation of a 10% betting withholding tax by the Akufo-Addo administration, debunking claims made by former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam that it was not enforced. In October 2023, the GRA reported generating GH¢15 million in revenue from this tax in the first month of its implementation. Additionally, during 2024, the previous NPP administration revealed that the government collected GHS1.2 billion from the betting tax.
Edward Gyambra, the Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), commented, “During the first month of implementation, we averaged GH¢20 million for the GGR. As for the withholding tax, we’ve just started the betting season, but during the lean season, we averaged GH¢15 million. We anticipate this to quadruple by May.” The GRA aims to generate approximately GH¢400 million from this tax to enhance government revenue.
Following Dr. Amin Adam’s statements, patrons of sports betting criticized him on social media after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2025 Budget Statement. Betters who noticed deductions from their winnings have raised issues regarding the use of the deducted taxes, prompting calls for an investigation into the previous administration’s management of the revenue from the withholding tax.
This situation underscores growing public concern over the financial governance associated with the betting tax and requests detailed inquiry into the use of these funds by the former government.
The GRA’s data refutes claims by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam regarding the non-implementation of the betting tax. Clearly, the 10% withholding tax has generated substantial revenue since its introduction, with significant amounts reported within its first month. The public’s calls for transparency reflect ongoing concerns about tax deductions from betting winnings and the previous government’s management of these resources.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
