NPP MP Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah accuses the NDC government of promoting gambling by abolishing the betting tax, suggesting this will lead to youth abandoning their jobs for betting. He regards betting as detrimental and believes policy changes jeopardize the future of young Ghanaians. Dapaah highlights the risks of encouraging such habits among the populace.
Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South West, has vehemently criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for its decision to eliminate the betting tax, which he claims encourages Ghanaians to participate in gambling. He alleges that this move is pressuring citizens, especially the youth, to abandon their jobs in pursuit of betting income.
Dapaah asserts that while betting can result in financial rewards for a few individuals, it is detrimental to the youth. He believes the removal of the betting tax will primarily motivate youngsters to forsake their employment for gambling distractions.
In an interview on Oyerepa TV on March 17, 2025, he commented, “The cancellation of the betting tax says a lot to us…betting is a scam. We should not encourage the idea of abolishing the betting tax.” Furthermore, he emphasized that the NDC administration is undermining the future of Ghanaian youth by fostering a culture of gambling.
When asked if he thought the youth in his constituency would leave farming to gamble instead, he replied, “Obviously, the majority of them will go and bet.” Dapaah’s comments reflect a growing concern regarding the socio-economic impacts of the government’s policies on youth engagement.
In summary, Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah has raised serious concerns regarding the effects of the NDC government’s abolishment of the betting tax. He argues that this will encourage young individuals to abandon their jobs in favor of gambling, jeopardizing their future. His statements highlight the broader implications of such policies on the youth and the potential risks associated with promoting gambling in society.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com