A National Deputy Communications director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jennifer Queen, has defended government’s decision to tax all wins on betting and lottery.
Recently, the ruling NPP government under the administration of President Akufo-Addo passed a new tax bill that would see government earn 10% of every bet and lottery wins.
Following this, Ghanaians’ opinions on sports betting have been divided, with some highlighting its negative effects on the youth.
Ghanaian youth who partake in sports betting were vocal in their criticism of the new tax on social media.
Speaking in a panel discussion on Adekye Nsroma, Jennifer Queen quizzed critics how the ruling government would able to develop the country and improve the ‘dead’ economy if they refuse to pay taxes.
According to her, a lot of people are making huge sum of money from betting and lottery wins and it will only be fair for them to pay tax to the government.
Jennifer Queen went on add that the NPP government is also doing everything to cut down government expenses as part of their plans to revive the economy.
Watch the video below;
How should the government develop the country if we refuse to pay taxes? – Jennifer Queen#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/pbij3Qof1S
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) August 17, 2023
Relatively, NPP flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong shared his two cents on the controversial 10% tax imposed all betting and lottery wins which commences this August.
Sharing his opinion, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central said he supports the 10% tax government has instituted on all bet and lottery wins. According to him, the 10% tax should have been even more.
“Betting is not anything good for your future. That is why it should be punitive to discourage young men and women coming up take their destinies into their own hands instead of spending their time on games and all those things.”
The MP for Assin Central suggested that government should create more jobs so that the youth can rather get themselves busy working than depending on betting and lottery for survival.
