Data from the Ghana Revenue Authority dispels claims by Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam about the non-implementation of a 10% betting withholding tax. The tax generated significant revenue, counteracting assertions from the former Finance Minister. Public calls for transparency regarding tax management have emerged in response to these claims.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has presented data that contradicts Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam’s assertion regarding the non-implementation of the 10% betting withholding tax by the previous government. Notably, the GRA’s Domestic Tax Revenue Division reported a revenue of GH¢15 million generated from the betting tax during its first month of enforcement in October 2023. Furthermore, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) relayed that the government accrued GHS1.2 billion from this tax throughout 2024.
Mr. Edward Gyambra, the Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, highlighted the early success of the betting tax, stating, “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 the betting tax to enhance government revenues.
In response to Dr. Amin Adam’s claims, public sentiment shifted, particularly after the presentation of the 2025 Budget by current Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Many patrons of sports betting publicly challenged Dr. Adam’s statement, asserting that deductions from their betting wins indicate the tax’s existence. Consequently, they have called for a thorough investigation into the previous government’s management of the revenue collected from the betting tax, raising significant concerns regarding transparency in this matter.
In conclusion, the Ghana Revenue Authority’s findings clearly indicate that the 10% betting withholding tax was indeed implemented by the former government, refuting Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam’s claims to the contrary. The substantial revenue generated in its initial months, and the concerns raised by the public regarding the proper allocation of these taxes, emphasize the need for accountability and clarity in governmental tax policies.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
