The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed disdain for betting and the lottery, calling it a business for the lazy.
According to him, betting does not encourage the youth to work hard, as they see it as a simple way to make money.
In an interview with Angel FM in Kumasi on Thursday, the majority leader urged the youth to desist from engaging in betting and find jobs to do.
“I don’t believe in betting or luck. I believe in making money through hard. Let’s be serious with ourselves because the betting that has been introduced in the country does not encourage hard work.
“As an individual, I don’t engage in lottery because I don’t believe in that. Rather, work hard and God will bless it,” he said.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that from August 15, 2023, winnings from betting and lotteries will attract a 10% withholding tax.
Parliament in March this year passed the Income Tax (Amendment) (No.2) bill, 2022 into law, and also re-introduced a 10 percent tax on winnings from lottery after it was scrapped in 2017.
Speaking to the media, the Head of Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the GRA, Mr. Edward Gyambrah indicated that government will begin to tax patrons.
The Ghana Revenue Authority has stated that it has implemented necessary measures to ensure full compliance with the newly amended Tax Act, with a goal of generating GHC 1.2 million from lottery activities.
