Sammi Awuku, former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), has expressed his support for the government’s decision to abolish the betting tax, emphasizing its lack of effectiveness.
Awuku revealed that he had previously cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration against the implementation of the tax, labeling it as unproductive and harmful to the betting ecosystem. As the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, he praised the move to scrap the tax and aligned himself with President John Dramani Mahama’s initiative.
“I’m delighted about the decision to remove the betting tax,” Awuku stated during an interview with the Daily Guide Network (DGN). “I have always been against it, even during the NPP administration, because similar policies have proven ineffective in other countries.”
He also shed light on the negative consequences of the tax on lottery operations, noting its role in encouraging illegal activities.
“Lottery operations were also subject to this tax. It’s counterproductive for the government to tax its own entity like the National Lottery Authority, which is supposed to contribute to national revenue,” Awuku explained. “This approach only strengthens underground operators. While the NLA imposes a 10% tax, illegal operators offer full payouts, making them more attractive.”
His remarks coincide with Minister-designate for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement of plans to repeal the betting tax. Dr. Forson argued that the policy not only fails to deter youth from engaging in betting but also generates minimal revenue for the country.
Awuku’s endorsement of the repeal underscores the broader sentiment that the tax hindered both legal betting operations and national revenue collection.
